AN 18-month-old toddler who survived sepsis has completed a 26.2-mile walking marathon to raise funds for staff at the Royal United Hospital in Bath who saved her life.

Aviana Musgrove contracted sepsis at only nine months old after being born six weeks' premature at the RUH, where she was cared by specialists in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

In January, Avi spent more time in hospital being treated for sepsis and her mum and dad Emma and Matthew Musgrove were told she might not survive.

As a thank you, Avi has since completed 26.2 miles in just 21 days this month to raise £1,000 for the RUH Forever Friends My Walk of Life Marathon appeal.

Emma, 34, of Pennine Close, Melksham, said: “We’re both really proud of Avi. She has done really well despite having an overnight stay in hospital on Friday.

“The RUH means an incredible amount to us as without the care of their staff on NICU Avi would not be here now.

“When she was treated for sepsis back in January by staff in A&E and the paediatric team, at her worst the doctors didn’t think she would survive but they never gave up on her and she beat it.

“The work that all of the staff do is absolutely amazing and we will be forever grateful to them for giving our little girl back.”

The family want to thank friends and family who have donated £1,000 to their Just Giving page, making them the second top fundraiser in the challenge.

Laura Piner, events and community coordinator for The Forever Friends Appeal, said: “We are so grateful for Avi and Emma for taking part in My Walk of Life Marathon.

“Avi’s enthusiasm to explore, alongside Emma’s desire to help the hospital is inspiring and we are extremely thankful for their support.

“There’s still time to sign up and take part in the My Walk of Life Marathon as it’s a virtual walking challenge and it doesn’t finish until September 30.

“The aim is to walk 26.2 miles and it’s completely up to you how you decide to complete the total distance, whether you get out and discover the great outdoors or tot up your miles in your own home or garden.

The proceeds raised by My Walk of Life Marathon will go towards helping the hospital’s charity The Forever Friends Appeal provide support to staff beyond the coronavirus crisis.

It will also fund projects and medical equipment that make a real difference to RUH patients and their families.

Participants are also welcome to support a particular ward, department or appeal if they wish.

Meanwhile, neurology ward staff at the RUH have also teamed up for the My Walk of Life Marathon.

Doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, clinical nurse specialists and administrative staff from Helena Ward are clocking up the miles during September and are each hoping to raise £100.

Rosie Lloyd, a senior sister on the Helena Ward said: “We have decided to take on the challenge of walking a marathon by capturing our steps during our busy shifts to raise some money to improve patient experience on Helena Ward.

“We would like to put the funds towards an outdoor area for neurology patients to enjoy, either for therapy sessions or for them to spend time with their families during visiting. Neurology patients often have a longer stay so having an outdoor area for them would aid their recovery.”

To donate to Avi’s fundraising appeal, go to mywalkoflifemarathon.co.uk/fundraising/avis-first-marathon