Stephen Moore takes up the role with immediate effect, marking a new era for the charity as it sets ambitious plans to scale its work, reach more people, and increase funding for life-saving research.
Stephen is a seasoned leader with decades of experience in business growth, innovation, and strategic development. Over his career, he has built five companies as Founder/CEO and advised more than 40 others as chairman and senior advisor. He now brings that expertise to Sepsis Research FEAT with a clear vision: to grow the charity tenfold over the next decade.
Craig Stobo, Chair of Sepsis Research FEAT
This appointment signals our ambition. Sepsis is one of the UK's biggest but least recognised killers, and we need to reach many more people. Stephen's leadership and vision will help us significantly step up our efforts, raise greater awareness, and fund the pioneering research that saves lives.
Stephen Moore, CEO of Sepsis Research FEAT,
i am honoured to become Sepsis Research FEAT's first CEO. Sepsis is one of the UK's most urgent health challenges, yet awareness remains too low. My focus will be on strengthening the charity's income, expanding our reach, and ensuring every pound we invest delivers maximum impact for patients and families. Together, we can transform outcomes and save more lives. Sepsis affects around 245,000 people in the UK every year and is responsible for at least 48,000 deaths - more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined. Early recognition is vital, but awareness remains low. Sepsis Research FEAT is uniquely placed to change the story of sepsis - funding pioneering research while supporting patients and families to share their experiences, turning lived stories into life-saving awareness.
Mission
Sepsis Research FEAT, the UK's only sepsis research and awareness charity, is dedicated to combating the devastating effects of sepsis. The charity traces its origins to the tragic events of August 2012 when Dr Fiona Elizabeth Agnew, a beloved Falkirk-based GP, and her unborn daughter Isla lost their lives to sepsis. The charity was founded in 2013 as FEAT, the Fiona Elizabeth Agnew Trust, by Fiona's husband Craig Stobo. It emerged from Craig's profound grief and his determination to honour Fiona's memory by spearheading sepsis research and awareness-raising in order to prevent other similar tragedies.
Fiona's passion for medicine began in childhood, leading to a career as a respected general practitioner. Alongside Craig she embraced parenthood, welcoming their first child in 2010 and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second in September 2012.
The devastating turn of events unfolded swiftly. On the evening of Friday August 24th 2012 Fiona was admitted to the hospital after suddenly falling ill. Despite a reassuring antenatal scan the previous day she was diagnosed with an infection and subsequently sepsis. Tragically, baby Isla was stillborn at 5:10 am on Saturday August 25th while Fiona's condition rapidly deteriorated.
Despite the tireless efforts of medical staff, Fiona succumbed to multiple organ failure caused by sepsis at 1:50 am on Sunday August 26th 2012. Her deterioration was swift and unexpected, underscoring the urgency of addressing sepsis awareness and research.
In the aftermath of this profound loss, Craig made a pledge to fund research and raise awareness of sepsis, driven by the conviction that no other family should endure a similar tragedy. Thus, Sepsis Research FEAT was born, dedicated to saving lives and improving outcomes through research and education.
Sepsis arises when the body's extreme response to infection escalates rapidly leading to severe damage to its own tissues and organs. This potentially life-threatening condition affects people of all ages and can progress swiftly, claiming millions of lives globally each year.
To find out more about the signs of sepsis and the charity's work, to get involved or to donate, please visit Sepsis Research FEAT.
