Make-up artist given £5k by Johnny Depp after losing toes to meningitis and sepsis
A MAKE-UP artist lost her toes after a bout of flu turned out to be deadly meningitis and sepsis.
The woman was working with Johnny Depp on the new Fantastic Beasts film when she became ill with flu-like symptoms.
Just hours after finishing her shift the 23-year-old was left fighting for her life in intensive care.
Doctors gave her a 10 per cent chance of survival and she was placed on life support when she developed deadly septicaemia and septic shock.
As her body fought to save her vital organs, blood circulation moved away from her hands and feet, resulting in all five toes on one foot requiring amputation.
Johnny Depp, 55, is believed to have donated £5,000 towards helping her pay for prosthetic toes to help her to walk again.
Close friend and celebrity make-up artist Sarah Edwards-Knight, who set up a JustGiving page to raise money for a set of prosthetic toes, said: “As a makeup artist your fingers are your tools, like brushes or magic wands.
“She is left-handed and while in her coma, her mum and dad tirelessly massaged her left hand to give hope that one day she would be able to continue her amazing journey in make-up artistry.
FIND OUT MORE What is sepsis and what are the signs of the deadly infection?
“Thankfully her hands will make a full recovery and we thank God, the hospital team and all of her friends and family for their support and love.
“Sadly, she lost all of her toes this week following amputation, which has caused her severe pain.”
She specialises in prosthetics and was working along stars including Depp, Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne and Zoe Kravitz on the film, which is due out this November.
Some of the scenes were filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
“This funding page has been set up to enable her to get the much-needed treatment that she needs to be able to walk freely again, and one day to have an amazing set of prosthetic toes,” Sarah added.
“With her artistic flair, I am sure she will have the best-looking toes in the biz.
“We fully appreciate everyone’s kindness and will keep you updated on her progress.”
MORE ON MENINGITIS
Since graduating from the London College of Fashion in 2016, her dream had been to work in the film industry.
But in October 2017, just seven days into her first trainee makeup artist role on the film, the former Rochester Grammar School pupil from Cuxton, Kent, came down with the life-threatening illness.
Friends and family have so far raised £5,545, which is hoped will be enough for prosthetic toes.
A DEADLY CONDITION THAT CAN TURN INTO SEPSIS
It can easily be mistaken for flu or a hangover in adults, but knowing the signs of meningitis can prove life-saving.
The deadly disease can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young kids and young adults.
Meningitis causes an inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and can be triggered by bacteria or a virus.
If it is not treated quickly meningitis can develop in deadly septicaemia, or blood poisoning, that can cause permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Around 3,200 people a year are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and one in 10 die or are left with life-changing disabilities.
Viral forms of meningitis are less common and rarely life-threatening.
What are the key symptoms?
The symptoms of meningitis can develop very quickly, and include:
- a high fever – over 37.5 degrees (the average temperature)
- being sick
- a headache
- a blotchy rash that won’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
- stiffness, especially in the neck
- drowsiness, irritability or a lack of energy
- cold hands and feet
- seizures
In babies the symptoms can be slightly different, they may:
- refuse to eat
- be agitated and not want to be picked up
- having a bulging soft spot on their head
- be floppy and inresponsive
- have an unusual, high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body
Source: Meningitis Research Foundation
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours