The Charities Committee at St Paul’s Girls’ School, led by Y12 students, dedicates its efforts to supporting two chosen charities annually, one of which for 2024 is the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST).

This selection came after a compelling assembly by UKST’s Joint CEO, Sarah Hamilton-Fairley, that deeply moved the school community, as well as fundraising by Chemistry Teacher Tom Fox. In June 2023, Tom completed an Ironman Triathlon. He did this in memory of his close friend Beth, who tragically passed away from septic shock in 2022 at the age of 25. The school community rallied to support Tom, both on the day of the event and through generous donations.

Katherine and Aiyana, the Committee Chair and Vice Chair, met with Sarah and UKST’s Head of Partnerships, Simon Hills, to present their fundraising ideas in the autumn term. The Committee has since organised various successful events over the course of the year. starting with a secondhand lab coat sale raising over £100 and a Halloween bake sale and dress-up competition raising £300. They also held a Rangoli workshop for Diwali, bringing their total to over £900 by November.

Christmas activities, including festive busking, a gingerbread house competition, and a Christmas Market, significantly boosted their fundraising efforts. They continued with a Christmas Jumper Day, candy cane sales, and a popular staff pantomime, Cinderella.

The weekly Hot Chocolate Trolley continued into the spring term, with other fundraising activities including Chinese Day celebrations, a Lunar New Year bake sale, and a Teachers’ University Challenge. Pyjama Day, a Penny Race, and a highly successful Y7 Fair, raising over £850, also contributed to their efforts.

For many, TAG was the highlight of the charities committee calendar with over 200 students getting involved in the three-day event! TAG and the collection at the spring Soirée Musicale (the termly music concert) raised a total of £700.

The summer term continued with Teachers vs. Students Badminton matches and a Lemonade Stall, with upcoming events like Step Up To Sepsis to be held on World Sepsis Day on 13th September, a Grade-1-Athon Concert, Karaoke Night, Pride Month celebrations, and charity stalls on Sports Day.

So far this year, they have raised £7,500 from these events! UKST is incredible grateful to St Paul’s Girls’ School for their ongoing support – both in raising awareness and much needed funds.

Sarah Hamilton-Fairley, UKST’s Joint CEO and old Paulina, said: “We’re immensely grateful to SPGS for their energy, commitment, imagination and determination to help spread the word about this ‘silent killer’ (that too many people still don’t know about). Their tireless commitment on the fundraising front is also hugely appreciated – schools are a wonderful way to amplify the messages so we can’t thank you all enough.”