SAINTS have teamed up with UK Sepsis Trust after being inspired to raise awareness by dad-of-two Stuart Lanham who lost his left arm and sight to the 'silent killer' disease.
Lifelong Saints fan Stuart, from Parr, was just a "normal bloke" in 2014 when he started feeling pain in his arm.
His children urged him to go to hospital but he refused thinking he would be OK.
The next thing he knew his life had changed forever.
The 45-year-old, who now lives in Sutton Heath, said: "I just had a sore arm and the kids kept telling me to go to hospital, but I didn't know anything about sepsis so I didn't think anything of it.
"My wife Janine took me to Whiston and all I remember after that was waking up four weeks later completely blind and without my left arm from just above my elbow.
"I was just a normal bloke and knew nothing about sepsis before I got it.
"We were and still are devastated by what happened, I'll never see my daughter's as they grow up or on their wedding days or see my grandchildren.
"That's why I'm really, really proud of being a St Helens lad and for Saints for making this decision because I don't want anyone going through what I have."
Steve Leonard, director of the Saints Community Development Foundation, added: “After meeting Stuart Lanham and hearing his story, I knew that we had to do something to raise the awareness of sepsis in our own community.
"This cannot and will not be a quick hit or a one-off promotion, as every generation needs to be made aware of sepsis and the steps to take.
"I am proud to say that Stuart has agreed to be our ambassador and there is nothing more fitting than having a proud St Helens lad as the driving force of our campaign.
"I would like to thank the Sepsis Trust for making this happen and I believe that our partnership will provide the solid platform needed to get the message across.”
UK Sepsis Trust will be at tonight's game at the Totally Wicked Stadium against Wigan.
The partnership will deliver an extensive array of initiatives in the coming Rugby League season, running from January to October, to raise awareness in the St Helens and Merseyside Community, including more than 100 primary schools and 30 secondary schools.
Dr Ron Daniels BEM, CEO of the UK Sepsis Trust said: "Stuart’s story demonstrates how potentially devastating the effects of sepsis can be.
"At least 250,000 people in the UK every year develop sepsis and 52,000 of these peoples lose their lives.
"We’re thrilled to be joining forces with SCDF for the upcoming Rugby League season.
"The key to fighting sepsis is empowerment and we are so grateful to the Saints for giving us the opportunity to raise the awareness of sepsis in communities and families and help them to feel able to “Just Ask: Could it be sepsis”.
"The awareness and funds raised will be pivotal in continuing the fight against sepsis and saving lives all over the UK.”
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