Pupils from New Inn Primary School have helped create a new children's book designed to teach young people how to recognise the signs of sepsis and when to seek urgent medical help.
The Invisible Invader was officially launched during a special school assembly on Wednesday, celebrating months of work by a group of Year 5 pupils who helped shape the story, characters and key messages.
Developed in partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, the book aims to raise awareness of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can develop when the body's response to an infection harms its own tissues and organs.
Working with author Mike Church, the pupils helped create a story following Seren and Daisy as they learn how to spot the signs of sepsis and why acting quickly can save lives.
Over several weeks, the children took part in educational sessions led by healthcare professionals, learning what sepsis is, how it affects the body and why early recognition can save lives.
Year 5 pupil Noah Baldock, said: "I really enjoyed meeting and working with new people like Mike the author and Andy the illustrator. The medical staff were really interesting and helpful too."
Illustrated by Andy O'Rourke and produced by Petra Publishing Ltd, the book will now be shared with schools across the region, with 1,000 copies being distributed to primary schools throughout Gwent.
Kate Prendergast, Headteacher at New Inn Primary, said:
"We are so proud of our pupils for their dedication to this incredibly important project. This book doesn't just showcase creativity and teamwork; it carries a powerful, life-saving message that will benefit young people across our entire community.
"We have previously co-written a book in partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, this being ‘Stumble Crumble’ in 2023, and we were delighted to work with them once again",
The project also includes a personal account from the mother of a New Inn Primary School pupil who experienced sepsis as a baby.
The book forms part of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board's ongoing Sepsis Awareness Campaign - encouraging important conversations at home, in schools and across communities.
Dr Seema Srivastava, Medical Director of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said:
"Sepsis remains a significant patient safety concern and we know that recognising the signs and symptoms early can make a vital difference to outcomes.
"What makes this project particularly special is that it has been developed with children, not simply for children.
"This project demonstrates the value of co-production, bringing together children, families, educators, healthcare professionals and community partners to create a resource that is both meaningful and accessible."