Rutland based film Starfish, featuring Downtown Abbey actor Joanne Froggatt, is released in America, sharing the tale of sepsis survivor Tom Ray
A harrowing tale of one man’s battle for survival has been released in America.
Twenty-one years have passed since Tom Ray suffered the devastating effects of sepsis, but he remains as committed as ever to raising awareness of the condition.
Before he fell ill, Tom was fit and healthy with a successful career in corporate banking.
He was awaiting the birth of his second child with wife Nic when their lives were turned upside down.
A small cut to his gum is thought to have caused the infection which put Tom in a coma for months.
He woke up to find doctors had amputated his arms, legs and part of his face. His son Freddy had also been born.
A film of Tom’s tale was released to UK audiences in 2016 and was released in America this week.
He said: “It’s great to see the film reach a wider audience. It’s so important to raise awareness of the condition.
“Sepsis can kill you within 12 hours - you have to get help fast.”
Tom and Nic, from Oakham, have set up their own business as motivational speakers, but much of their work has been cancelled because of the pandemic.
With coronavirus affecting people in so many ways, their message is more important than ever.
Tom, 59, said: “I love being in front of an audience so we set up Resilience and Co to help spread the message that people can pick themselves up after a major trauma.
“Whether it is bereavement or divorce, it can be devastating but I wanted people to see that if we got over this, they can too.”
Tom has never received counselling but says much of his strength comes from the support of Nic and their children, Grace and Freddy.
He has also been well supported by his employers and colleagues at Lands’ End.
Tom said: “When I woke up from the coma, Nic was sitting by my bed with the baby. If that isn’t a reason for living, you must be stupid.
“I still struggle but you have to look forward and set positive goals.
“We need to be grateful for what we have got and not dwell on what we have lost.”
The film of Tom’s life, called Starfish, features Downtown Abbey actor Joanna Froggatt and Tom Riley.
Writer and director Bill Clark, from Uppingham, said: “At a time when the whole world needs inspiration, this is a great opportunity to put our beautiful film about the struggles of an ordinary family from England’s smallest county in front of such an important audience and demonstrate how love, courage and strength can overcome even our most challenging moments.”
