2025 Mar 14, 13:35
A 17-year-old girl, Antonia Hay, from Buckinghamshire, is fighting for her life after contracting a deadly strain of E.coli from food purchased at a Christmas market. She is believed to have caught STEC-HUS, which is caused by E.coli O157. Antonia likely contracted the infection from a market in Great Missenden. Since then, she has undergone multiple operations, including the removal of part of her bowel, and has received a blood transfusion
Due to kidney failure, she has been put on dialysis. Remarkably, she spent Christmas Day at home with her family before returning to the hospital on Boxing Day. Antonia is currently the youngest patient in the intensive care unit. In an effort to raise funds for her medical expenses, Antonia's sister, Jemima Hay, started a GoFundMe campaign. Antonia's father, Steve Hay, reached out on Facebook to anyone who may have experienced food poisoning symptoms after visiting the Christmas Market in Great Missenden
Antonia, an aspiring actress, is concerned about the impact this ordeal will have on her career and feels as if her dreams have been shattered. Unfortunately, her family is currently without income since her father is taking time off work without pay. Despite the difficult circumstances, Antonia's kind-hearted and outgoing nature has remained evident. Many people who have encountered her can attest to her ability to light up any room and to her genuine concern for others. The NHS reports that only a small number of individuals develop HUS from this particular strain of E.coli
To contract this specific strain, one must consume contaminated food, come into contact with infected animals, interact with contaminated individuals, or consume infected water. The GoFundMe page created for Antonia has already surpassed its initial target of £5,000 within just 24 hours, and the total amount raised now exceeds £8,000. The family expressed their gratitude for the public's generosity and reassured everyone that the funds will greatly assist Antonia in her ongoing treatments, recovery, and pursuit of her performing arts aspirations. Support for Antonia has come from various sources, including the pub where she works, The Britannia in Marlow. The establishment posted on their page, urging people to donate and spread awareness of Antonia's situation while also highlighting her dedicated service to her colleagues and guests. In addition to financial contributions, The Britannia hosted a disco fundraising event on Christmas Eve to further support Antonia's cause. In another unfortunate instance of E.coli contamination, an outbreak linked to artisan cheese has affected 30 individuals in Britain
Mrs Kirkham's Lancashire cheese, available in four different varieties, has been recalled due to fears of contamination with the strain 0145. As the investigation continues, the cheese has been marked with a 'do not eat' advisory.