A BRACKNELL man who came close to death after developing sepsis needs your help to raise funds for prosthetic limbs.

James Mackey recently became a double amputee when his condition threatened to take his life, but the response from generous fundraisers could see him back on his feet sooner than first thought.

Sepsis is when the immune system fighting an infection, turns on itself and starts to attack and destroy the body's own organs. It is believed to be responsible for 66,000 deaths in the UK every year.

In less than a fortnight, the fundraising page set up by James’s partner, Ashley Jeans, has received more than £13,000 from nearly 350 separate donations.

Writing on the fundraising page, Ashley said: “If you know James, you know he is a fighter and he is determined to do all the things he did before his amputation. He is still battling with his hands and the rest of his body but he is strong and remains confident he may be able to spend a few days at home with us all for Christmas.

James, of Forest Park, went from being an active young man, who enjoyed cycling, running and playing football with his children, to near death in the space of 24 hours.

After falling ill with what was first thought to be flu, scans at Royal Berkshire Hospital revealed that James had in fact developed a strain of sepsis. As a result, he had to have both of his feet and part of his legs removed.

He is currently under the watchful eye of specialists at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury.

James is expected to spend at least three months in the intensive care unit, but he hopes that his positive mentality will allow him to make the most of his second chance at life.

He has a teenage daughter and two boys in primary school.

To contribute to James’s prosthetic equipment, visit: www.gofundme.com/jamesstory