About Sepsis Research FEAT

Sepsis Research FEAT was founded as FEAT- the Fiona Elizabeth Agnew Trust- in 2013 by Craig Stobo after the sudden death of his wife Dr Fiona Elizabeth Agnew and their unborn daughter Isla in Aug 2012. At 35 weeks pregnant, Fiona suddenly fell unwell and was taken to hospital. Upon admission, she was diagnosed as having an infection and sepsis, which had also attacked the baby. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, they were unable to save Fiona or her daughter. In the aftermath of their deaths, Craig’s immediate reaction was to pledge to fund research and raise awareness of sepsis, to prevent other families suffering the same terrible loss as his own.

Our research work

Sepsis Research FEAT works to save lives and improve outcomes for sepsis patients by funding research and raising awareness. 

We work with some of the best researchers in the world to understand the processes that lead to sepsis and to identify new drugs, treatments and equipment which will lead to better outcomes for patients. In 2023 the charity launched a significant new research collaboration, in association with the James Lind Alliance- bringing together clinicians, patients, families and carers to identify future research priorities. In September 2024, the top 10 research priorities were published and our aim is to help fund sepsis research that will make the maximum difference to the entire sepsis community. 

Our awareness work

Sepsis is an indiscriminate condition that could affect any one of us at any time. It is one of the world’s greatest public health emergencies- a bigger killer than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined - yet it is vastly underrepresented in terms of public awareness. We want to change that.

Our aim is to shine a much bigger spotlight on sepsis and deliver awareness initiatives that will truly have a positive impact and improve outcomes. 

We highlight the warning signs of sepsis and emphasise the need for urgent medical attention if sepsis is suspected. We also share sepsis stories from the perspective of those affected, helping others to better understand the condition and its impact. 

How the money raised will be used to make a difference

We will run an impactful and cost-effective social media campaign in the London area, telling the public that sepsis can arise from any infection and highlighting the warning signs and the need for urgent medical treatment. We will share local sepsis stories to help deliver key messages. In September 2024, fit and healthy 30-year-old Jennifer from London became seriously ill with sepsis and had to be placed in an intubated coma. Jennifer had been experiencing 'flu' like symptoms for a week, but she wasn't improving and she instinctively felt that there was something more serious going on. When she got herself to A&E she was diagnosed with sepsis which had developed from pneumonia. Fortunately Jennifer has recovered and you can read Jennifer's full story here. 54-year-old Steve was rushing home rushing to catch a train home from work in London when he stumbled on some stairs, resulting in a small cut on his leg. A couple of weeks later Steve was fighting for his life- an infection on his skin had developed into sepsis. Unfortunately, Steve was so critically ill that he has suffered amputations as a result of sepsis. You can read Steve's full story here.

Sepsis has a huge impact on health in the UK but is vastly under-represented in terms of awareness and investment in research. Our campaign in London will shine a spotlight on sepsis, increase awareness of the condition and its key warning signs and will ultimately help to save lives.

We have previously run a similar social media awareness campaign in Liverpool where we reached almost 165,000 individuals across Facebook and Instagram during a 4 week period. 

Please support us to bring vital sepsis awareness to London's population in our first geo-targeted campaign for the region. Together we save lives and improve outcomes for sepsis patients. Thank you.