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