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Sean Sowden, 29, of Hawes Side Lane, Marton, was put into an induced coma by medics at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after his sore throat turned into a sepsis infection and resulted in multiple organ failure.

He was transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital's ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) unit as a result of lung failure, caused by a Streptoccocus C infection perforating his lungs.

Sean has not been out of his coma since January 3, but girlfriend of three years Clarice Moseley, 25, told the Gazette he is 'making huge improvements.'

Sean with girlfriend Clarice Moseley, who said he has been improving slowly day by day in Wythenshawe Hospital. Picture: Clarice Moseley

She said: "When Sean was taken to Wythenshawe his lung capacity was just 20 - but now he's been getting up to 500.

"His chest drains have been taken out, and on Saturday (February 1) he was taken off his ECMO machine for a trial run."

The ECMO machine acts as Sean's lungs, breathing for him while he is too weak to breathe for himself.

Clarise continued: "They were supposed to do a trial run for five minutes, but he ended up breathing with just a ventilator for two and a half hours, which was absolutely amazing.

He's oxygenating his own body now, but we still haven't discussed his future with doctors, we aren't sure what's going to happen."

Sean is step-dad to Clarice's three children Brea, eight, Layla, six and Oliver, three.

Miss Moseley described how difficult Sean's situation has been for the family, with 'exhausting' trips to and from the hospital two-to-three times a week.

She said: "All the kids miss him so much, it's horrible being here without him.

"I visit him as often as I can, but I have to ask family members to look after them when I get trains to Manchester.

"My eldest daughter Brea has been very upset and it's really affected her.

"Her school Waterloo Primary Academy have been really helpful, she has a special teacher to go to when she needs to talk and they've offered to help with after-school clubs.

"I'm just absolutely heartbroken and haven't slept in weeks. I can't wait for him to come home."

A fundraiser to support Sean has been set up here, and family and friends are urging others to help them to raise money for him after his recovery.

Conditions 'improving' for Blackpool man in sepsis coma