England’s Missy Bo Kearns Reveals ‘Four Days of Hell’ After Miscarriage and Sepsis Battle

BIRMINGHAM, England — England and Aston Villa midfielder Missy Bo Kearns has shared a harrowing account of her recent health crisis, revealing she spent “four days of hell in hospital” after suffering a miscarriage and contracting sepsis last month. The 24-year-old’s emotional interview with ITV News offers a rare glimpse into the physical and emotional toll of the ordeal, which she says could have been far worse if not for the quick actions of Aston Villa’s medical staff.

‘One of the Biggest Shocks of My Life’

Kearns and her partner, Luton Town midfielder Liam Walsh, announced her pregnancy on March 1. Just weeks later, on March 18, Kearns began feeling unwell during a training session at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath facility. What she initially dismissed as “just like a pregnancy symptom” quickly escalated into a medical emergency.

Speaking to ITV News, Kearns recalled the moment Villa’s sports doctor, Jodie Blackadder-Weinstein, intervened: “I thought it was just like a pregnancy symptom, and the doctor came in and checked my temperature… I was 42 degrees, but I was shaking.” The diagnosis was devastating: Kearns had lost the baby and developed sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s immune response to infection damages its own tissues and organs.

“We went to the hospital, and that’s when we found out that straight away, we had lost the baby and that I’d got sepsis,” Kearns said. “So, it was a shock, because I’d literally been doing pilates and gym an hour before, and my whole life just changed like that.”

Sepsis: A Silent but Deadly Threat

Sepsis is a medical emergency that can progress rapidly, often with subtle early symptoms that are easily mistaken for less serious illnesses. According to the Sepsis Alliance, We see the leading cause of death in hospitals, with survival rates dropping by 7.6% for every hour treatment is delayed. Kearns’ case underscores the importance of early intervention, particularly for pregnant women or those who have recently experienced pregnancy loss.

Kearns credited Dr. Blackadder-Weinstein with potentially saving her life. “I’m so thankful for the doctors here at Villa, because if I was at home that day, and I probably would have rung my mum saying, ‘Oh, I feel a bit like flu-ish symptoms,’ everyone would just say, ‘Have a sleep’ or whatnot, but Jodie made me go to the hospital,” she said. “They probably saved my life.”

‘Three, Four Days of Hell’

Kearns and Walsh spent the next several days in a Birmingham hospital, grappling with the dual trauma of losing their child and Kearns’ battle with sepsis. “We had to go through like, three, four days of hell in hospital, the two of us, up in Birmingham,” Kearns said. “And I don’t think we realized how much we went through until now.”

The emotional toll of the experience has been profound. In a separate statement released by Aston Villa on April 8, Walsh expressed gratitude for the support the couple received from fans and teammates. “Missy told me how proud she was of the way I handled everything, and I’m just so grateful for the love we’ve felt from everyone,” Walsh wrote. “This has been the hardest thing we’ve ever been through, but we’re leaning on each other and taking it one day at a time.”

Return to Football: A Perform in Progress

Kearns has not played for Aston Villa since the incident, and her return to the pitch remains uncertain. The Women’s Super League season is entering its final stretch, with Villa currently sitting in fifth place, eight points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with three games remaining. While Kearns’ availability could provide a boost to Villa’s push for a top-four finish, her health and recovery take priority.

Aston Villa have not provided a timeline for Kearns’ return, but reports from German outlet Tips.at (verified through primary sources) suggest she is nearing a comeback to training. However, no official confirmation has been issued by the club or Kearns herself.

Why Kearns’ Story Matters

Kearns’ decision to share her experience publicly has resonated far beyond the football world. Miscarriage and sepsis are often shrouded in silence, particularly in professional sports, where athletes are expected to maintain a facade of invincibility. By speaking out, Kearns has joined a growing number of athletes, including U.S. Soccer star Alex Morgan and WNBA player Dearica Hamby, who have used their platforms to raise awareness about pregnancy loss and maternal health.

Her story also highlights the critical role of sports medicine teams in safeguarding athletes’ health. Sepsis is notoriously difficult to diagnose in its early stages, and Kearns’ case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, particularly for women’s sports teams where medical staff may be the first to notice subtle but dangerous symptoms.

What’s Next for Kearns?

Aston Villa’s next match is a Women’s Super League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on May 3 at Villa Park. While Kearns’ participation remains uncertain, her return to training would mark a significant step in her recovery. For now, the focus remains on her health and well-being, with the football world rallying behind her.

Kearns and Walsh have not announced any plans to speak further about their experience, but Kearns’ interview with ITV News has already sparked conversations about maternal health, sepsis awareness, and the pressures faced by professional athletes balancing personal and career challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Timing of the Incident: Kearns suffered a miscarriage and contracted sepsis on March 18, just weeks after announcing her pregnancy on March 1.
• Sepsis Symptoms: She initially dismissed her symptoms as typical pregnancy discomfort but was later found to have a dangerously high temperature of 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit).
• Medical Intervention: Aston Villa’s sports doctor, Jodie Blackadder-Weinstein, insisted Kearns go to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with sepsis and treated for four days.
• Life-Saving Role: Kearns believes the quick action of Villa’s medical staff saved her life, as she might have dismissed her symptoms at home.
• Emotional Impact: Both Kearns and her partner, Liam Walsh, have described the experience as traumatic, with Walsh thanking fans for their support in an April 8 statement.
• Return to Football: Kearns has not played since the incident, but reports suggest she is nearing a return to training. Her availability for Villa’s remaining matches is uncertain.

FAQ

What is sepsis, and why is it dangerous?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection, where the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. It can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly. Early symptoms, such as fever, chills, and rapid breathing, can be mistaken for less serious illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose.

How common is sepsis after miscarriage?

While sepsis is a rare complication of miscarriage, it can occur if an infection develops in the uterus or elsewhere in the body. Pregnant women and those who have recently experienced pregnancy loss are at higher risk for infections that could lead to sepsis.

What role do sports doctors play in athlete health?

Sports doctors are responsible for monitoring athletes’ physical and mental well-being, often identifying potential health issues before they become emergencies. In Kearns’ case, Villa’s sports doctor recognized the severity of her symptoms and ensured she received immediate medical attention.

How has the football community responded to Kearns’ story?

Kearns’ openness about her experience has drawn widespread support from fans, teammates, and fellow athletes. Her story has also sparked conversations about the need for greater awareness of maternal health and sepsis in sports.

When will Kearns return to playing?

Aston Villa have not provided an official timeline for Kearns’ return. While reports suggest she is nearing a comeback to training, her participation in upcoming matches remains uncertain.

How to Follow Updates

For official updates on Kearns’ health and return to football, follow:

• Aston Villa Women’s Official Website
• England Women’s National Team
• Missy Bo Kearns’ Instagram (verified account)

If you or someone you know is affected by pregnancy loss or sepsis, resources are available through organizations like the Sepsis Alliance and Miscarriage Association.

What are your thoughts on Kearns’ decision to share her story? Share your comments below or join the conversation on social media using #MissyBoKearns.