**Kingswood Man Raises Funds for ICU After Miraculous Recovery from Food Poisoning**
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A 64-year-old man from Kingswood, located south of London, is expressing his profound gratitude towards the medical staff that saved his life following a severe case of food poisoning. Udhyam Amin’s ordeal began after he consumed a roast chicken dinner at a local pub, which subsequently led to his near-fatal condition.
Upon feeling unwell, Amin sought medical attention at St Helier Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Campylobacter, a bacteria frequently responsible for foodborne illnesses. However, as his symptoms progressed, it became evident that he was in a critical state. Medical professionals moved him swiftly into a resuscitation unit, where they discovered that his blood pH levels were alarmingly low.

Despite still being conscious and able to converse with his family, Amin soon suffered a cardiac arrest, necessitating urgent resuscitation efforts. He was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and placed on a ventilator. His family was informed by doctors that he had developed sepsis—a serious lifethreatening condition—and was described as the “sickest patient in the hospital.” At one point, they were even told that he might only have hours to live.
Sepsis arises when the body’s immune response to an infection inadvertently causes damage to healthy tissues and organs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this severe reaction can lead to multi-organ failure, making prompt treatment essential. While sepsis resulting from food poisoning is uncommon, it is particularly prevalent among older individuals or those with existing health issues, as per the Mayo Clinic.
Amin’s daughter, Parisha Bains, who is a surgical registrar at the NHS Trust, poignantly recounted the harrowing experience. “We received the devastating news that he had gone into sepsis and multi-organ failure. Most of his critical organs had shut down,” she remarked, conveying the heartache that enveloped the family during that dark time. She continued, “It felt like our world had fallen apart. Nothing prepares you for hearing that the person you love may not make it through the day.”
Amin’s story takes a remarkable turn when he defied the odds and survived the night, much to the astonishment of the medical team. Bains lauded the dedication of the medical staff for their unwavering support during a time filled with uncertainty. “They comforted us through endless uncertainty, answered every question with kindness, celebrated every tiny improvement with us, and gave us hope when hope seemed impossible to find,” she said.
The road to recovery was arduous; Amin spent over two weeks in an induced coma. Notably, he has been able to make significant strides in regaining his strength, with Bains referring to his recovery as “nothing short of a miracle.” She playfully likened him to a cat with nine lives, underlining the extraordinary nature of his recuperation.
Now, having surpassed the immediate danger, Amin is back at home and has resumed work. However, he is determined to give back to the medical team that played a crucial role in his survival. In recognition of their extraordinary efforts, his family has initiated a JustGiving fundraiser aimed at supporting the ICU at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals.
Reflecting on his experience and the care he received, Amin expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Words cannot express my gratitude for the exceptional care, compassion, and dedication the medical teams showed me during the most difficult time of my life. Their skill and commitment saved my life, and I will be forever grateful. I cannot thank them enough for giving me a second chance.”
Amin’s story is being shared in conjunction with World Sepsis Day, which highlights the importance of recognising and addressing this serious condition. His experience serves as a reminder of the fragility of health and the tremendous impact that timely medical intervention can have on patients and their families during a health crisis. With his fundraising efforts, Amin is not only honouring the care he received but also raising awareness of the dangers associated with food poisoning and sepsis.
