Students at St Helen and St Katharine have raised £10,678 in aid of the UK’s leading sepsis charity, the UK Sepsis Trust.

Each September, pupils at the Abingdon girls’ school vote to select a new charity to support.

The pinnacle of the school’s fundraising year is the annual St Kate’s Day celebration. Taking place in November, the celebration is dedicated to raising money for the school’s chosen charity and marks the beginning of St Helen and St Katharine’s fundraising year - with 2021 being no exception.

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In just one day, students raised over £6,700 via a sponsored walk/run around the school’s campus and sports fields as well as competing in the traditional 2p race where form groups compete to lay repeating patterns of two pence pieces.

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Chloe, St Helen and St Katharine’s Charity Prefect, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the UK Sepsis Trust this year and am so pleased that St Helen’s has been able to contribute meaningfully toward this important cause. Hearing joint CEO, Sarah Hamilton-Fairley, tell us about the UK Sepsis Trust’s work and dedication was truly inspirational.”

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection.

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Sarah Hamilton-Fairley, of the UK Sepsis Trust, said: “We were absolutely delighted when we heard that St Helen and St Katharine had chosen to support the UK Sepsis Trust.

“The energy and ongoing commitment throughout the school year has been awesome.

"Not only has the school raised astonishing funds but also, and perhaps even more importantly, public awareness. Our aim is that people are empowered, if they suspect someone might have sepsis, to ‘Just Ask’ the doctor or nurse, ‘could it be sepsis?’

"We couldn’t be more delighted - and will miss working with the school, who have been an inspirational sepsis-savvy partner. Thank you so much!”