A LIFESAVING campaign has been launched to highlight the dangers of a killer disease.

Rowlands Pharmacy which has its HQ in Runcorn has teamed up with UK Sepsis Trust to raise awareness of sepsis.

This condition claims the lives of 44,000 people every year in the UK – that’s more than breast, bowel, prostate cancer and road accidents combined.

A further 60,000 victims have been left suffering permanent, life-changing after-effects.

Sepsis is a serious condition that can initially look like flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection.

If adults develop slurred speech or confusion, extreme shivering or muscle pain, pass no urine in a day, severe breathlessness or have mottled or discoloured skin, seek urgent medical help.

The trust’s ambassador Melissa Mead who lost her 12-month-old son spoke to Rowlands employees about symptoms to watch out for.

If a child is unwell with either a fever or very low temperature, fast breathing, has a fit or convulsion, a mottled, bluish or pale complexion, a rash that does not fade when you press it, ask if it could be sepsis

Around 1,500 Rowlands staff will complete a course to identify the early signs of sepsis and provide advice to patients.

Every Rowlands Pharmacy will display awareness posters and provide leaflets to help people identify the symptoms.

The company will be also raising funds for the charity.

Melissa said: “Pharmacies are an integral part of the public health community and Rowlands will make a crucial impact by highlighting sepsis and its symptoms.

“This campaign will equip customers so that they’re able to identify sepsis and will know how to act when they recognise the condition.”

Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive UK Sepsis Trust, said: “Sepsis has a devastating human cost.

“Every day individuals and families have their lives torn apart by the condition but better public awareness and education of healthcare professionals could save thousands of lives each year.”

Early identification could save 14,000 lives every year and save the NHS £300 million