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England Star Missy Bo Kearns Opens Up About Miscarriage: “Four Days in Hell” Saved by Club Doctor’s Quick Action
By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport
BIRMINGHAM — English women’s soccer star Missy Bo Kearns has shared her harrowing experience with a miscarriage that nearly cost her life, crediting her club’s medical staff with saving her after she developed sepsis following the loss of her pregnancy.
The 25-year-old Aston Villa midfielder and England international revealed in an emotional interview with ITV News that she endured “four days in hell” at a Birmingham hospital after her team doctor recognized life-threatening symptoms that others might have dismissed as a common illness.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Kearns and her partner, Luton Town defender Liam Walsh, had announced their pregnancy on March 1. Just weeks later, on March 18, Kearns visited Aston Villa’s training facility feeling unwell. What began as flu-like symptoms quickly escalated into a medical emergency.
“I had 42°C (107.6°F) fever and was shaking all over,” Kearns told ITV News. “We drove to the hospital, and there we learned immediately that we had lost the baby and I had developed sepsis. It was a shock. My whole life changed in one moment.”
The sepsis diagnosis made her condition particularly dangerous. Sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, requires immediate medical intervention. According to the Sepsis Alliance, it can progress rapidly and lead to tissue damage, organ failure, or death if not treated promptly.
“They Probably Saved My Life”
Kearns expressed profound gratitude to Aston Villa’s head of medicine, Jodie Blackadder-Weinstein, for insisting she seek immediate hospital care rather than resting at home.
“I’m so grateful to the doctors here at Villa because if I had been at home that day and called my mum saying I had some flu-like symptoms, everyone would probably have just said, ‘Get some sleep,'” Kearns said. “She probably saved my life.”
Blackadder-Weinstein’s quick recognition of Kearns’ symptoms highlights the critical role of sports medicine professionals in identifying health issues that extend beyond athletic performance. The incident also underscores the importance of medical support for female athletes, particularly regarding reproductive health.
Recovery and Return to Football
After spending four days in the hospital, Kearns is now focusing on her recovery and gradual return to the pitch. Aston Villa has not provided a specific timeline for her return to competitive action, but the club has confirmed she is receiving full support from both the medical team and her teammates.

Kearns, who began her professional career at Liverpool before joining Aston Villa, has earned 12 caps for the England women’s national team. She was part of the squad that qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, where she hopes to compete if fully recovered.
The Bigger Picture: Athlete Health and Awareness
Kearns’ decision to share her story publicly comes at a time when female athletes are increasingly speaking out about reproductive health challenges. Her experience highlights several important issues:
- Sepsis Awareness: The condition affects more than 1.7 million Americans annually, according to the CDC, and can be triggered by various infections, including those related to pregnancy complications.
- Medical Support in Sports: The incident demonstrates how club medical staff serve as a vital first line of defense for athletes’ overall health, not just sports-related injuries.
- Mental Health: Kearns’ openness about her emotional journey may help other athletes facing similar challenges feel less isolated.
What’s Next for Kearns
Aston Villa’s next Women’s Super League match is scheduled for May 4 against Manchester United. While Kearns is not expected to be available for that fixture, her progress will be closely monitored by both club and national team staff.
The England women’s team is set to initiate its UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign in September, with Kearns remaining part of manager Sarina Wiegman’s plans for the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Key Takeaways
- Missy Bo Kearns suffered a miscarriage and developed sepsis in March 2026
- She credits Aston Villa’s medical team with saving her life by recognizing symptoms early
- The 25-year-old midfielder spent four days in a Birmingham hospital
- Kearns and partner Liam Walsh had announced their pregnancy on March 1
- She is now recovering and hopes to return to action for club and country
- Her story highlights the importance of sepsis awareness and athlete health support
How to Follow Updates
For official updates on Missy Bo Kearns’ recovery and return to play:

- Aston Villa Women’s Team
- England Women’s National Team
- ITV News (original interview source)
This story continues to develop. Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow Archysport for updates on Kearns’ recovery and return to the pitch.