Fundraising

11 June 2026

Double Your Impact This Small Charity Week with Sepsis Research FEAT

Small Charity Week 2026 is a powerful opportunity to make a life-saving difference. From 22nd to 29th June, donations made through Big Give will be doubled, meaning your support can go twice as far in helping to fund vital sepsis research. The Big Give donation link is live now- click here Stop Sepsis Now – Big Give

At Sepsis Research FEAT, every donation directly contributes to advancing understanding, improving diagnosis, and ultimately saving lives. With matched funding available for a limited time, there has never been a more impactful moment to support our work.

Why Sepsis Research Matters

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. It can affect anyone, at any age, and progresses rapidly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, yet awareness remains low and research is underfunded compared to other major health conditions.

Each year, thousands of lives are affected by sepsis in the UK alone. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story that could have had a different outcome with better tools, faster diagnosis, and improved treatments.

Sepsis Research FEAT is dedicated to changing that. By funding innovative research projects and supporting clinical advancements, we are working towards a future where sepsis is identified earlier and treated more effectively.

The Power of Matched Giving

During Small Charity Week, Big Give’s match funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery allows your donation to be doubled at no extra cost to you. This means:

A £10 donation becomes £20 for sepsis research

A £50 donation becomes £100

A £100 donation becomes £200

This matched funding model is one of the most effective ways to maximise charitable impact. It ensures that every pound you give has twice the power in driving forward critical research and awareness.

How Your Donation Helps

Every contribution to Sepsis Research FEAT supports meaningful, measurable progress. Your donation helps to:

Fund cutting-edge research into early detection and treatment

Support clinicians and scientists working to improve patient outcomes

Raise awareness of sepsis symptoms to encourage faster action

Contribute to long-term strategies aimed at reducing sepsis-related deaths

Even modest donations can have a significant impact when combined with matched funding and collective support.

Why Your Support Matters During Small Charities Week

Specialist medical research charities like Sepsis Research FEAT play a crucial role in driving innovation and addressing urgent healthcare challenges. With a clear focus on sepsis, we can fund targeted, high‑impact projects that might otherwise struggle to secure attention and investment.

Campaigns like Small Charity Week and initiatives such as Big Give help shine a spotlight on this vital work and provide an essential boost to the research and awareness that sepsis urgently needs.

By supporting Sepsis Research FEAT today, you are helping to ensure that sepsis continues to receive the focus, funding and momentum required to save more lives.

Make Your Donation Count

The Big Give campaign runs for one week only, from 22nd to 29th June. Once match funding is used up, donations will no longer be doubled – so early support is key. The Big Give donation link is live now- click here Stop Sepsis Now – Big Give

30 January 2025

Goodbye…and welcome

Abi Charity Updates, Fundraising, Thank you, Uncategorised 0

Income from Trusts and Foundations has been a mainstay of funding for the work of Sepsis Research FEAT since its inception.

The fundraiser who has made possible so much of this charity’s work is the wonderful Susan Sheridan. Very sadly Susan leaves the charity this week, after nearly seven years, to expand on other freelance commitments. We wanted to say a HUGE thank you to Susan for all she has done and for the wonderful can-do spirit that she has brought to the team here. We will miss her.

Stepping into the Trusts & Foundations role in Susan’s place is Dr Alison Staples, who brings an extensive knowledge of the trusts funding landscape, having worked in the sector for nearly 30 years.

A zoologist with a PhD in science, Alison joins Sepsis Research FEAT in April 2025, having worked in fundraising for almost 30 years. Based in Manchester, she’s held senior positions at a number of charities, most recently Antibiotic Research UK, whose work aligns very closely with that of Sepsis Research FEAT. Alison will be drawing on that knowledge and skillset to continue to raise the profile of Sepsis Research FEAT and the invaluable work we deliver.

A very warm welcome to Alison – we really look forward to working alongside her as Sepsis Research FEAT continues to expand its work to save lives and improve outcomes for sepsis patients in the UK and worldwide.

Multiple individuals engage in various activities, including walking and holding an oversized cheque, against a purple and orange abstract background.

18 December 2024

Sepsis Research FEAT in 2024

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A Review of the Year

As 2024 draws to a close, Sepsis Research FEAT reflects on a year marked by significant progress in the fight against sepsis.

The charity extends its heartfelt gratitude to all its supporters and partners for their unwavering commitment. Your support has been instrumental in our achievements this year.

Advancements in Research

Sepsis Priority Setting Partnership (PSP): In collaboration with the James Lind Alliance, Sepsis Research FEAT brought to fruition its exercise to identify the top ten priorities for sepsis research. Over the course of 18 months, this initiative engaged 1,744 patients, carers, family members, and healthcare professionals to pinpoint the most pressing unanswered questions in sepsis research. These priorities will guide future studies to improve the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for sepsis patients.
Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE): In line with revised NIHR guidance, the charity renewed its efforts in PPIE, facilitating the involvement of individuals with lived experience in shaping new sepsis research studies. This approach ensures that research addresses the real-world needs of the sepsis community. Notably, we supported studies led by Professor Joanne McPeake at the University of Cambridge and Dr Zeynep C. Elçioğlu at Newcastle University, focusing on personalised care and the role of the immune system in the experience of sepsis survivors, respectively.

Awareness Campaigns

Sepsis Awareness Month 2024: Launched on September 1st, Sepsis Research FEAT’s campaign continued the impactful message: “It’ll never be you. Until it is.” Featuring new video contributions from sepsis survivors, bereaved families and healthcare professionals, the campaign highlighted the indiscriminate and devastating nature of sepsis. World Sepsis Day on September 13th saw the unveiling of the highly important findings of its 18 month priority-setting partnership exercise.
Educational Initiatives: The charity continues to deliver educational talks and awareness events across the UK, tailored to diverse audiences, including ‘lunch and learn’ sessions for businesses and community groups.

Organisational Milestones

Appointment of the charity’s first medical director: In July, we were delighted to welcome Dr Andrew Conway Morris to the team. Dr Conway Morris, a researcher and intensive care physician at the University of Cambridge, has already provided key insights into all aspects of sepsis medicine and future research partnerships, and serves as an invaluable medical spokesperson for the charity.
Research Funding Partnerships: Via a new partnership with the charity Rosetrees, this charity has undertaken to fund innovative new projects addressing unmet clinical needs in sepsis through seedcorn awards. The collaboration aims to support researchers in generating high-quality preliminary data to advance novel ideas in sepsis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Community Engagement

Fundraising Events: The generosity and the enthusiasm of all our fundraisers have been truly inspiring. The charity’s supporters have this year participated in a record number of different events – from Kiltwalks to runs to Himalayan ascents. Very excitingly we can also now reveal that, for the first time ever, the charity has access to two places for the 2026 London Marathon. Get in touch ASAP if you’re interested in securing one.
In Memory Initiatives: The festive season saw the launch of Sepsis Research FEAT’s digital Tree of Remembrance, providing supporters with a means to remember loved ones lost to sepsis. Each tribute supports vital sepsis research and awareness, ensuring that memories shine on as beacons of hope for others.

Looking Ahead: Give Up/Step Up in January!

As we enter the new year, we are excited to announce our upcoming fundraising campaign: Give Up/Step Up. This initiative encourages supporters to either Give Up a habit or a personal indulgence like caffeine or sweets or Step Up by committing to a daily physical challenge, such as walking 10,000 steps during the month – there is no restriction on what you could do though and the challenge is yours to create! We are aiming to promote personal well-being in a way that best suits you, whilst raising funds and awareness for sepsis research. You can find out more and sign up via Facebook here

As we celebrate all of these milestones and achievements, the charity remains acutely aware of the challenges ahead. Sepsis continues to claim too many lives and devastate thousands of others. Our mission to fund research, raise awareness and improve outcomes for sepsis patients remains more critical than ever. This Christmas, we remember those affected by sepsis and renew our commitment to combat this devastating condition.

Your support continues to be the cornerstone of this charity’s progress. Together, we strive to #stopsepsisnow.

With huge thanks for all you have done to support the work of Sepsis Research FEAT in 2024, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas and a healthy and happy new year.

Warm regards,

Colin and the team and trustees at Sepsis Research FEAT

Two men are driving a dark green vintage car, blurred trees and a blue sky are in the background.

31 August 2023

Benjafield’s event a roaring success

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In an extraordinary, never-to-be-repeated event, the weekend of 1/2^nd July 2023 saw over 70 classic Bentleys racing at the historic Le Mans circuit in northwest France.  

Following a spectacular send-off by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, 30 of the cars drove to France from St James Palace. The entire field of drivers then reassembled in Le Mans at the weekend to take on one of the most celebrated circuits in the world in a specially dedicated Bentley-exclusive race. With a crowd of over 230,000 watching, it was the biggest historic race meet in history.

In an act of enormous generosity true to the club’s spirit, the Benjafield’s Racing Club donated all proceeds from the weekend – including a breathtaking auction – to Sepsis Research FEAT. The charity is thrilled to have been part of such a prestigious event and very grateful indeed to the Benjafield’s club and its members for their wonderful support.

31 August 2023

Sepsis Research 10th Anniversary Sparkle Ball

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Sepsis Research FEAT is very excited indeed to have been chosen by wonderful Glasgow-based organisation Charity Heroes as its charity partner for 2023/24.    

Charity Heroes are hosting their Sparkle Ball in aid of Sepsis Research FEAT on Friday 15^th September 2023 at the Radisson Blu hotel in central Glasgow, during Sepsis Awareness Month and as a unique celebration of the charity’s 10^th Anniversary. 

This fantastic inaugural event will be an opportunity for supporters of the charity to come together with friends, family, the charity’s team and trustees, colleagues and businesses to celebrate the huge amounts of sepsis research and awareness work done since the charity was founded by Craig Stobo ten years ago. It promises to be a very special night indeed. 

As well as a drinks reception and three course meal, there will be speeches, an auction, fundraising games and – of course – dancing.

With a star prize of 2 nights in luxury holiday home The Gin & Thresher, generously donated by supporters Paul and Kirsty Coulson donated and over 350 guests now booked to attend, this promises to be a wonderful night.

Sepsis Research FEAT is very grateful indeed to Charity Heroes for their wonderful support.  

30 August 2023

Record breaking number of walkers for Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2023

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Sepsis Research FEAT is thrilled to have recruited it biggest ever team of walkers to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday September 17^th.

32 supporters – including freelancers from as far away as Tunbridge Wells in Kent – will be hitching up their kilts and lacing up their trainers and pounding the streets of the capital in aid of sepsis research and awareness. It promises to be a really great day.

You can lend the team your support by sponsoring them here . Or if you’re in the area why not come down and cheer them on in person as they walk from Musselburgh racecourse to Murrayfield. We know they would love to see you there!

20 February 2023

100 years of the Le Mans Classic

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Benjafield’s Racing Club supports Sepsis Research FEAT

As we start our 10th anniversary year, Sepsis Research FEAT is delighted to have been chosen as the beneficiary charity at a highly prestigious classic car event this summer.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans Classic race, a convoy of classic Bentleys will drive from London to Le Mans on 29th June. 75 of the cars will then race at the circuit that weekend, with drivers from around the world attending a black tie dinner and auction and travelling back early the following week.

The Benjafield’s Bentley Racing Club has chosen Sepsis Research FEAT as it’s charity because one of it’s founding members – Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin – lost his life to sepsis in the 1930s. You can read more about this prestigious event on the Benjafield’s website and in the spring issue of Magneto magazine.

3 January 2023

Sepsis Research FEAT is ten this year!

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Did you know that Sepsis Research FEAT was established on 1^st May 2013?

Since then the charity has grown massively, entering into significant sepsis research and awareness partnerships UK-wide, always staying true to its founding vision to #stopsepsisnow.

We have big plans for 2023, highlighting everything that the charity has achieved in the last decade.
Significantly, we will be using this very special anniversary to put in place some important and exciting new projects for the future:
– A brand-new approach to working with businesses, and a shiny new corporate partnerships webpage full of case studies and ideas for ways that businesses of every size can get involved with Sepsis Research FEAT.
– The launch of a far-reaching new research initiative that promises to affect the future of sepsis research in the UK for the next ten years and beyond – one of the biggest that the team has undertaken. In due course we will be looking for the help of people with lived experience of sepsis and will be asking for your involvement, collaborating with our supporters at the grass roots level of research.
– A major re-launch of a key area of our fundraising. We’ll bring you final plans in the next few weeks so keep an eye out for more information.
– A range of bespoke tenth anniversary fundraising opportunities that will be quick and easy for anyone to get involved with – enabling you to play your part in marking a huge milestone for Sepsis Research FEAT and its work.

Watch this space! We’ll be back with more news very soon.

26 April 2022

And the winner is…Sepsis Research FEAT!

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Great news from Edinburgh last night as Sepsis Research FEAT was announced as the Scotmid Co-operative Community Connect winner for the east region! Our COO Colin Graham was presented with a cheque for £15,000, as a result of voting over the last few months by Scotmid customers and members and on the night at their AGM.

Our congratulations to the two other charity finalists – You’re Never Too Old and FetLor Youth Club – who each receive £5,000.

Thanks to the whole team here at Sepsis Research FEAT for all their hard work in putting together our application. And our sincere thanks to Scotmid, their members and customers for their votes and for their continued support.

Pictured L-R are Harry Cairney, Society President, Colin Graham, COO of Sepsis Research FEAT, and Scotmid Chief Executive John Brodie.

11 January 2022

Calling all businesses!

Abi Awareness, Charity Updates, Fundraising 0

One of our main focuses for 2022 is to reach more businesses across the UK in order to spread the word about sepsis and to see if there is an opportunity to work with them in some way.

Many corporates and businesses run Charity of the Year programs or have nominated charities that they support with fundraising activities. However, with so many charities to choose from, and competition for fundraising so intense since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult for us to grab the attention of a corporate or small business and gain their support.

Around 250,000 people in the UK are affected by sepsis every year. That means that many firms are likely to have an employee who has personally been affected by sepsis or knows of someone who has been. We would love to speak to these organizations to let them know how important it is to be aware of sepsis and tell them more about the work that we do.

As a supporter of Sepsis Research FEAT, we really hope that you can help us reach more corporates and businesses by putting us in touch with your own employer or any other businesses that you have connections with.

As a first step, we would offer an awareness talk, in person or virtually so that the business can learn more about sepsis and the work that we do. These can be run as a ‘lunch and learn session for employees that take only 40-45 minutes. These sessions are a great way of bringing workplaces together and engaging staff in a topic that has affected a work colleague. We can discuss any fundraising or partnership opportunities with the employer, if that is something that they would be interested in.

So we are asking you for just one thing. Please do let us know of the name of your own employer, or any other businesses that you feel we could approach. It would be very useful if you are able to provide a contact name within the organization and indicate whether you would be happy for us to mention your name as a connection to sepsis. If you would prefer, we would also be happy for you to make the approach on our behalf and then pass on our details- whatever you feel most comfortable with. It would be helpful if you could let us know that you are making an approach yourself.

Our main objective is that sepsis is talked about and recognised more in the business world. Any fundraising or partnership opportunities would only be discussed if that is something that the business has indicated that they are interested in exploring.

Just click here to get in touch.