CHILDREN who used Southend United to cope when their dad was told he wouldn’t survive a sepsis scare have been rewarded for their support.

It was found that James Turp, 38, from Basildon, was diagnosed with blood poisoning after he began coughing up blood.

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Treatment - James Turp fought the blood poisoning

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Together - Jacqui Turp with the boys before her neurosurgery

His wife, Jacqui Turp, 31, said: “Four or five hours after going to A&E he was ventilated and in intensive care. If he went to the football like planned, he probably wouldn’t be here.”

Organs can malfunction as a result of sepsis.

James’ heart began to pump at just 15 per cent, before dropping to just 8 per cent. The family were told to say their goodbyes.

Jacqui added: “Miraculously he made it through the night. The staff at Basildon Hospital were amazing. We were and are still living with our lives on the edge.

“Without a heart transplant they said James would die. He was transferred to Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge and I moved with him.

“My dad moved in to look after my boys, Callum, 12, and Tom, ten, and my mum and sister helped too. I hadn’t long had neurosurgery myself so I couldn’t drive for six months.”

After two false alarms and being told he wouldn’t make it to Christmas, James finally had the transplant, thanks to a 49-year-old woman whose organs were donated.

While both parents were severely ill, Jacqui’s dad, Thomas Flynn, took the boys to the Blues games. And now James’ colleagues at the Army Cadet Force have arranged for Callum and Tom to have a mascot day, complete with kit, game tickets, a programme signed by the players, a changing room visit. They will even get to lead the team out onto the pitch.

The family do not yet have an exact date.

Thankful Jacqui said: “The games were a massive thing for them, an escape to get through everything that was going on. For three years they’ve gone to home and away games. When James was too poorly for them to see him, we’d say: ‘You can’t see dad or you’ll miss a game!’

"We have ACF and Southend United to thank, as well as our donour. If it wasn't for them, James wouldn't be here. We're extremely grateful, they gave my kids their dad back."

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