‘Be stubborn about your dreams. Be driven enough to chase them your own way.  

‘But know yourself too. If something inside doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Strength isn’t just pushing through — it’s recognising when you need support.’ 

My name is Sam Bowditch. I’m from Barry in Wales and I’m a single dad to my son Solomon, who is 13.  

Rugby has always been a huge part of my life. I adore playing and coaching rugby and it was a big part of my life before my illness. It still is now, just in a slightly different way. I’m also a huge supporter of my son, who has the same – if not an even bigger – love for the sport than I do. 

I currently work as a supply teacher throughout the Vale of Glamorgan, mainly based in secondary schools. Since completing my university degree, I’ve also turned into a bit of a coffee head. 

On October 11th, 2020, I was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains. It turned out to be gallstones blocking my bile duct. Unfortunately, that blockage caused my pancreas to start dying. As doctors worked to remove the necrotic part of my pancreas, sepsis spread through my body. 

This led to multi-organ failure, critical care neuropathy and a hypoxic brain injury. My condition was critical and I was given a single-figure chance of survival. 

The sepsis diagnosis happened while I was attending A&E in person, but personally I don’t remember much because everything became a blur and things went downhill very quickly. I was in a coma for four months. 

When I woke up, the recovery journey was long and difficult. I spent time in a special ward before moving to a specialist hospital where I had to relearn how to walk properly and work on getting as much function back as possible. 

In total, I was treated in hospital for eight months and then received 14 months of physiotherapy. My treatment took place at the University Hospital of Wales, Rookwood Specialist Hospital, and later privately with a rehabilitation team called IPS. 

I’m not fully aware of the treatment I received for sepsis itself, but I hold so much gratitude for the medical staff who looked after me and the physiotherapists who helped me during my recovery. During that time, I felt both resilient and lost because of how broad and complex everything I was dealing with was. 

My family went through a huge amount. I’m not sure I’ll ever fully understand the extent of what they experienced while I was so ill. Even now, my parents still worry about me, especially as I’ve become more independent again. But throughout my recovery they were incredible, and I can’t thank them enough for their strength and support. My son was supported through everything by his mum who was fab, his extended family and my parents as well, which I’m very grateful for. 

Alongside my family, my recovery was helped by a small group of friends who are more like brothers to me. They still help me more than they can imagine. I also can’t forget my rugby family. Their incredible banter and values pushed me to reach the level of recovery I’m at today. 

Despite everything, I’ve made a remarkable recovery. I now live independently, I drive again, and I’ve returned to both work and university. 

I’m fiercely stubborn, so my outlook has always been that challenges will either make me or break me. It might sound cliché, but in many ways this experience has changed my life for the better and strengthened my optimism and drive. 

That stubbornness is still there now. I accept every challenge and still enjoy proving people wrong. One of my goals is to represent the Wales Rugby League team in the Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup this year, while continuing to contribute to my rugby club alongside fully able teammates. 

Before my illness, I hadn’t heard about Sepsis Research FEAT. I only became aware of the organisation later when I decided to donate through JustGiving. That may have been partly due to the COVID pandemic at the time, and also because of how complex my illness and recovery were. I’m genuinely grateful for the work that Sepsis Research FEAT does, as it plays a crucial role in raising awareness and funding research that can save lives. Just knowing that my fundraising efforts have made a difference is incredibly rewarding. 

Since then, speaking with the charity and discussing opportunities where I can get involved has given me a real boost. It’s helped me feel more positive about my experiences and how they might help others. 

I’m sharing my story because I feel it’s unique but also relatable. I hope it helps others understand the journey from the start of illness through recovery, and allows people to feel part of something where they can gain support rather than feeling isolated. 

My message to others is simple: 

Be stubborn about your dreams. Be driven enough to chase them your own way. 

But know yourself too. If something inside doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Strength isn’t just pushing through — it’s recognising when you need support. 

Listen to your mind, look after yourself, and never be afraid to reach out. The strongest people don’t face everything alone. 

Charity Comment: 

Sam’s story of a prolonged period of severe illness is framed by his extraordinary resilience and drive. That spirit was exemplified by the wonderful challenge that he undertook for Sepsis Research FEAT in July 2025, virtually cycling the 1400 miles to a friend’s stag do and raising over £550. 

Alongside its focus on the improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, Sepsis Research FEAT invests heavily in research into life post sepsis. Two recent studies in particular – Synaptic and Long Term Outcomes Following Sepsis have sought to understand better the physiological effects of sepsis on the body and the ways that patients can be better treated and supported in the aftermath of survival of sepsis.  

Sepsis Research FEAT is so grateful to Sam for his support for this charity’s work and looks forward to working with him across multiple projects, including PPIE, in the future.