Ellie taking the lead in helping spot signs of sepsis
ARU apprenticeship student is raising awareness following the death of her sister
ARU student Ellie Falconer, with her book Super Teddy
A Nursing Associate apprentice at Anglia Ruskin University has used personal tragedy as a motivator to raise awareness of childhood sepsis, publishing a children’s book and raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity.
Ellie Falconer began her Nursing Associate degree apprenticeship with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in September 2024, combining her studies in Chelmsford with working on Ray Ward at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. Just two months later, her six-year-old sister Ruby died from sepsis following a routine procedure.
Despite her grief, Ellie continued her training and, during a module about health promotion at ARU, she created a resource aimed at primary school children – a handprint craft where each finger represents a symptom of sepsis.
Ellie, 25, partnered with the UK Sepsis Trust and volunteers in schools, sharing Ruby’s story and using her university work during her presentations to educate children and parents.
The resources she created evolved into an interactive story featuring “Super Teddy”, designed to explain sepsis symptoms in a child-friendly way. The book, Super Teddy: Sepsis Symptoms for Children to Understand, is now available on Amazon and forms part of a fundraising bundle that includes colouring sheets and a toy teddy.
“Ruby fell ill to what we thought was a stomach bug but quickly led to her contracting sepsis from a blockage in her bowel. One of the main things that motivated me with fundraising and awareness raising is the lack of general knowledge of the early signs and symptoms.
“I spoke with some of the teachers at Ruby’s school and they felt that they hadn’t got anything that was suited for children of that age to understand the signs and symptoms for themselves. So I showed them what I’d done for my ARU assignment and they seemed very happy with it.
“I gave them the draft copy of the book which they used on sepsis awareness day, and they had really positive feedback from the children and parents.”
ARU student Ellie Falconer, who lives in LoughtonEllie and her family have also organised a series of fundraising events, including a summer fete, quiz night, charity auction, and a virtual “Night at the Races”. They also completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £10,000.
So far, the family has raised more than £30,000 for the UK Sepsis Trust, and a charity football match is planned for June 2026.
“I wanted to make sure Ruby’s story helps others. If one family recognises the signs of sepsis because of this campaign, it will be worth everything.”
Ellie FalconerSepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection that can affect anyone. The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that sepsis claims around 48,000 lives in the UK each year.
Super Teddy is available online via Amazon and donations can be made via Ruby’s fundraising page at https://therubyrosefoundation.co.uk/