Bannerman House raises more than £3,000 for Sepsis Research

Bannerman House hosted the penultimate fundraising week of session 2025-26, as they raised a huge amount of money in aid of Sepsis Research FEAT. Captains Tom A and Olivia M share more below on a memorable few days at Old Anniesland...

For Bannerman Fundraising Week, we had the privilege of supporting Sepsis Research FEAT – a charity dedicated to funding research into sepsis and raising awareness of this life-threatening condition. The organisation raises money through donations and fundraising events, using these funds to support scientific and medical research aimed at improving how sepsis is diagnosed, treated and prevented. It also plays a vital role in educating the public about the symptoms of sepsis and why it must be treated as a medical emergency, helping people recognise it earlier and potentially save lives.

Sepsis Research FEAT was established in 2013, following the devastating loss of Dr Fiona Elizabeth Agnew and her unborn daughter to sepsis. After experiencing the condition first-hand, the charity’s founder was determined to ensure that other families would not have to endure the same tragedy. Since then, the organisation has focused on supporting research and raising awareness across the UK to improve outcomes for sepsis patients and their families. We were lucky enough to have Gill share the work of the charity in a video shown to the school community during our fundraising assembly.

...

Our fundraising week began with a very entertaining waxing session with the Pipe Band during interval. The Pipe Band bravely stood up and played for the school while having their legs waxed for charity! A huge thank you to them for volunteering their legs and helping us kick off the week in such a memorable way.

At lunchtime, the much-anticipated teachers vs pupils volleyball match took place. The S6 team (Matthew, Franco, Tom, Corbin, Henry and Adam) took on a formidable staff squad consisting of Mr Gillies, Mr Leggat, Mr McCarthy, Mrs Cox, Mr Hunter, Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Bruce and Mr Smith. The two sides battled through an intense game that ended with the teachers claiming victory (their first win in years!)

Tuesday brought our iconic cake and candy sale, where delicious homemade bakes were brought in by the pupils of Bannerman House. A special thank you to Eusebi’s and Beefcake Cafe - the treats went down a storm. Thanks to the Fifth Year pupils who helped organise and run the popular stall.

During Tuesday lunchtime, we hosted a darts competition in the Gym Hall. Who knew HSOG had its own Luke Littler? Pupils were given nine darts to score as highly as possible, with the event attracting a fantastic turnout. Our winner was Leila H of First Year, with an impressive score of 211.

Wednesday was another action-packed day. At interval, we held HSOG Carpool Karaoke, where pupils sang their hearts out in the cars of some of our Sixth Years. At lunchtime, the school enjoyed an intense 5-a-side football tournament. At the same time, pupils could attend a disco featuring Just Dance, karaoke and some very impressive dancing. Some of our talented musicians also entertained courtesy of some Bannerman Busking and other music performances in M2.

On Wednesday evening, we hosted our highly anticipated Strictly Come Dancing event. Mr Campbell took on the role of host, brilliantly portraying both Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, delivering jokes and commentary that kept the audience entertained throughout the night. Our judging panel consisted of Mr Robertson (Craig Revel Horwood), Gabriella J (S5) (Oti Mabuse), Mrs Viswanathan (Shirley Ballas) and Mr Lockyer (Anton Du Beke).

Our dancing couples gave incredible performances. Minnie B-W and Jenni B (both S6) performed the salsa, while Mr Leggat and Miss Black danced the waltz as Beauty and the Beast. Adam C and Cammy W (both S6) recreated the iconic Dirty Dancing routine - Cammy in a dress and the unforgettable lift are moments the High School will never forget! Aania A and Ben P (both S6) performed a high-energy hip-hop remix, while Mrs Owen and Mr Gillies also took on hip-hop (unfortunately finishing in last place...). Mr Smith and Mrs Armstrong attempted Scottish country dancing with a modern twist, and Mr Hunter and Mrs McCluskey delivered an impressive and well-choreographed jive, which earned them the coveted glitter ball trophy. Finally, Mr Muir and Dr Treacy performed a memorable Argentine tango.

At half-time, Mrs McCluskey’s dance team provided fantastic entertainment with a special performance. The evening was a huge success, with over 300 people attending. A massive thank you goes to Molly G, Matthew L, Zuzu R (all S6) and Mrs Owen for organising the show, as well as filming, editing and providing the music. Without their hard work, the event would not have been possible.

On Thursday interval, pupils enjoyed biscuit decorating, creating some highly creative and detailed designs, while later that day, our talented dancers returned to the stage for Strictly: It Takes Two. This gave pupils who were unable to attend the previous evening the chance to watch the routines. Ben and Aania’s energetic hip-hop routine proved to be a crowd favourite, winning them the glitter ball trophy this time around.

On our final day, some brave Bannerman Sixth Years took part in 'soak-the-Sixth-Years', with our younger pupils enthusiastically drenching their elders with icy water.

To finish the week on a high, we hosted the school’s very own Take Me Out show, where singles James, Corbin, Ben and Michael attempted to find the love of their life. The crowd certainly enjoyed watching the contestants face the challenge of finding romance on stage!

...

Overall, Bannerman Fundraising Week was an incredible success. At last count, Bannerman have raised £3,231 to go towards the vital work of Sepsis Research FEAT. It was fantastic to see the whole School community get involved, support such an important cause and have a great deal of fun along the way.