THE memory of a Black Country woman who lost her life to Sepsis is set to be honoured at a fundraising Zumbathon in Dudley this weekend.

Natalie Billingham died from the ‘silent killer’ 72 hours after going to A&E at Russells Hall Hospital, where her condition went undiagnosed.

The 33-year-old businesswoman left behind her six children – all under the age of 10.

Following her death, Zumba instructor Kelly Powell – whose children attend the same school as Natalie’s – decided she wanted to hold a charity event to raise money for the children, as well as raise awareness of the disease.

Kelly said: “My mother-in-law lost her life to Sepsis, and a couple of our other friends have lost their lives to this terrible disease.

“It’s the silent killer and people might not be aware that they have it until it’s too late.

“My children go to the same school as Natalie’s children and as soon as I found out about what had happened to her I knew I had to do something to raise money for them.

“We are already close to the £600 mark – which is a great amount. We have more sponsorship to still come in too, so let’s hope we can raise even more in memory of Natalie.”

The event will take place from 2pm on Sunday (May 13) at Dudley Leisure Centre, with entry costing £5.

Alongside the Zumbathon will be a DJ, raffle and auction – with one of the prizes including Dudley businessman Kieran Brockhouse, who has donated his time and expertise for one lucky winner.

Martina Lambert, who is helping Kelly organise the event, said: “People from around the Dudley borough are getting together in Natalie’s memory to raise awareness of Sepsis and to try and make sure that this insane situation never happens to another family.

“Everyone is welcome to come and cheer us on, join in, or take part in the auction.

“All the money raised is being donated to her children and her family to give them some sort of normality in this cold world.”

Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Russells Hall, confirmed an employee had been suspended from clinical duties following an investigation into Natalie’s death.