A girl is fighting for her life after contracting a deadly strain of E.coli from food she bought at a Christmas market.
Antonia Hay, 17, from Buckinghamshire, has spent the past two weeks in intensive care after contracting what is believed to be STEC-HUS, caused by E-coli O157.
She apparently contracted the disease at a market in Great Missenden.
She had to undergo several operations – including one to remove part of her intestines – and a blood transfusion because her kidneys stopped working and she had to undergo dialysis.
Her older sister, Jemima Hay, started a GoFundMe and wrote: “She is currently lucky to be alive and has continued to show incredible determination and strength during this time, despite tremendous stress, pain and trauma – all combined with an extreme phobia through fear.” . Injections.’
Antonia was allowed to spend Christmas Day at home with her family, who stayed by her side, before returning to hospital on Boxing Day due to kidney failure.
Antonia (17) has been in intensive care for two weeks after she was probably infected with STEC-HUS, caused by E-coli O157
Antonia had to undergo several operations – including one to remove part of her intestines – and a blood transfusion because her kidneys stopped working and she had to undergo dialysis.
Antonia is said to have been infected with E.coli at a Christmas market in Great Missenden
Antonia’s father posted a message on Facebook asking them if they too had similar symptoms
The bar where Antonia works also shared the Go Fund Me link
The student is the youngest person ever admitted to the intensive care unit.
Her father, Steve Hay, wrote on Facebook: “To anyone who experienced symptoms of food poisoning in a restaurant, business or market stall in Great Missenden during the Christmas market, especially on or from November 25, please write me a private message as my means. child.” Daughter (17) is fighting for her life after a serious bacterial infection (E-Coli), believed to be something she ate at the time, and we have strong theories, but we just need to know if anyone else has ANY stomach issues or illnesses suffered (including stomach cramps or diarrhea 1-10 days after). “Public Health / Bucks Health / UKHSA all informed.”
Antonia, an aspiring actress, is worried about how this will affect the rest of her life and career and feels her “dreams are shattered” as she is unable to continue her studies in performing arts.
The family also currently has no income because her father receives no money for holidays.
Jemima said: “Anyone who has met Antonia knows she is the kindest, most caring and outgoing person and lights up every room she walks into.”
“Even though she’s going through the hardest time of her life, she just cares about everyone and their feelings while still trying to make everyone laugh.”
According to the NHS, few people develop HUS from this strain of E. coli.
You can become infected with this particular strain by eating contaminated food, touching infected animals, having contact with other infected people, and drinking or swimming in contaminated water.
Currently, the page has surpassed its £5,000 target in just 24 hours and has now raised over £8,000.
Her father, Steve, said Antonia became infected with E. coli around November 25 when there was a Christmas market in Great Missenden (pictured).
People on Facebook wished Antonia a speedy recovery
The family thanked the public for their generosity, adding: “This money will help her immensely with her ongoing treatments, recovery and expenses, including pursuing her performing arts dreams.”
The bar where Antonia works, The Britannia in Marlow, posted on its page, writing: “Many of you here have had the pleasure of meeting or being served by Antonia.”
“Unfortunately, she recently became seriously ill and now we want to do our part and look after her, just as she has looked after her colleagues and guests since she joined Britannia.
“If you can donate, please do so or help us raise awareness. We hope you feel better soon, Antonia.”
The facility also held a disco fundraiser on Christmas Eve to raise money for the site.
Thirty Britons recently fell ill in an E. coli outbreak linked to artisanal cheese.
Four varieties of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese have been urgently recalled and given a ‘do not eat’ warning amid contamination fears.
They all tested positive for a specific strain called 0145, which is feared to lurk in the cheese.
- To donate to Antonia’s GoFundMe, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-antonia-during-this-tough-time
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
