Sepsis advocacy fills Barney Hossain’s cup.
He’s back, this time baking as many pink Rice Krispie cakes and preparing as much strawberry and raspberry tea as he is able, to pour in more than $6000 for Sepsis Trust NZ.
The 10-year-old St Joseph’s School pupil and unofficial sepsis-advice school captain will be selling his goods until they’re sold out, for a charity that’s close to his heart, at Nelson Cathedral this World Sepsis Day on Sunday.
Barney was unexpectedly diagnosed with sepsis, the body's toxic response to an infection, in May 2024.
After courageously overcoming the condition, he has become a superhero advocate for the cause.
His mother, Ally Hossain, who is chief executive of Sepsis Trust NZ, has also helped inspire his efforts.
Barney features in Sepsis Trust NZ's SEPSIS Superhero campaign and regularly educates children and adults about the signs of sepsis, the causes of the condition and why urgent action is required.
He shares his message with classmates, peers and the wider community.
"The fact that he's been so willing to tell his story publicly has undoubtedly made an impact and, from the feedback we've received at the trust, hearing his story and stories like his are incredibly powerful and very compelling," Ally says.
"Those sorts of stories really encourage clinicians to upskill as much as possible around sepsis, but also encourage all of us to make sure we know what we're looking out for because any infection can lead to sepsis."
Ally says that if Barney has any Rice Krispie cakes or tea left over after Sunday, he will continue selling them at other Nelson locations throughout the following week.
Barney’s stall opens at 11:15am.
Donations can also be made at: https://www.stopsepsis.org.nz/barney-hossain
