Back in October 2024, Gina Lawrence underwent major surgery to remove her large bowel due to Crohn’s disease.
Soon after the operation, she developed a serious infection that would leave her fighting for her life over the next seven months.
Seven months, three hospitals
Gina received treatment in three different hospitals across the country, with her final and longest stay at Southampton General Hospital. Gina explains,
“The infection spread, even going into my bloodstream so that in those months, I was fighting for my life. I lost the ability to walk, dropped six stone in the first few months, and came close to dying from starvation.
“Without the specialised treatment from ward F11 and the compassion, care that I received from all the teams there, I would not be alive now.”
Recovery and determination
Gina’s form of Crohn’s disease is highly volatile, meaning only three hospitals in the UK are able to treat her. Southampton is one of them.
Thanks to the physiotherapy team at Southampton, she is now walking again, and her strength is gradually returning.
In September, she and her partner will walk the Isle of Wight Coastal Path to raise funds for the Southampton Hospital Charity.
Raising Awareness and Giving Back
Gina says,
“My partner and I have decided to walk the Isle of Wight Coastal Path in September to raise money for the Southampton Hospital Charity, so that they can continue their amazing work of helping others.”
She adds,
“If my battle can help prevent just one person having to go through it, then it has been worth it. I know that the walk will be a challenge, however life is just that. I want to show that disabilities do not have to stop us from living our best lives.”
Her story is not only one of survival but also one of gratitude and hope. You can show your support by donating via her Just Giving page.
