Healthcare
Healthcare
Ataxia is the presence of abnormal, uncoordinated and involuntary bodily movements. Ataxia UK
is the leading charity in the UK that supports people affected by a variety of Ataxias.
In November 2020 and January 2021, we provided
3 year grants
for two innovative research projects that will be using CRISPR CAS9 and AAV vector technologies to investigate a rare gene known as NKX6-2, alongside a rare type of Ataxia identified in 2017 called SPAX8.
We are hoping the learning from these research projects will help advance the knowledge on these and many other genetic conditions.
The projects are being undertaken by University College London (UCL) and Laval University Canada.
Aspire
is a national charity in the UK that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can happen to anyone at any time, and no one is prepared for how it will change their life. Aspire exists because there is currently no cure. Through its projects and programmes, Aspire offers support to the 50,000 people living with a spinal cord injury, in the areas of accessible housing, independent living, assistive technology and welfare benefit advice. This support allows people with spinal injury to lead fulfilled and independent lives, in their homes, with their families, in their workplace and in leisure time.
We are working in collaboration with Aspire on a new pilot programme.
The Lily Foundation
is the UK's leading mitochondrial disease charity and the largest charitable funder of mitochondrial research in Europe. Their mission is to improve the lives of people affected by mitochondrial diseases, while working towards a future where mitochondrial diseases can be effectively treated or cured.
We are working in collaboration with The Lily Foundation on a new pilot programme.
Little Hearts Matter
is the only UK national charity offering specialised support to anyone affected by the diagnosis of single ventricle heart condition or half a working heart. Approximately 600 families a year receive the news that their baby has half a working heart. The charity supports families along every step of their journey, from initial diagnosis, through treatments and into life at home.
We are providing funding for the charity's antenatal welcome packs. These packs provide newly diagnosed families with booklets, newsletters and stories to help them understand what the future may look like.
Alzheimer's Research UK exists for a cure. As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, they are working to revolutionise the way dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented.
Underpinning their strategy is a research culture focused on building equity, diversity and inclusion in research, patient and public involvement and networking and collaboration.
On Tuesday 19th March 2024, Alzheimer’s Research UK will be hosting an Early Careers Day ahead of their annual Research Conference. The Early Careers Day supports researchers at the earliest stages of their careers, with sessions designed to inspire, support and foster collaboration. We are providing funding for one of these sessions.
Young Lives Vs Cancer is a national charity that helps families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them. The charity provides support in six key ways; information and guidance post diagnosis, helping with the added financial costs, providing care at home or accommodation closer to hospitals, supporting patients to stay engaged with life outside of cancer, bereavement support and campaigning for policy change.
We contributed to the charity's Crisis Fund, which was set up in response to the Cost of Living Crisis in 2022. The £500,000 fund ran until March 2023 and provided up to £350 grants to families that were financially struggling.
Eye and ENT Camp, Kenya
In 2012, we partnered with the Shree Jain Youth League to deliver an Eye & ENT camp in Thika, Kenya.
- From 16th to 20th April, 10 screening centres were set up in 10 different rural areas outside of Thika. These screening centres performed initial assessments and treated minor ailments.
- Patients with more serious conditions were treated at the Eye and ENT Camp, held between the 21st to 27th April at Thika High School. The school was converted into a temporary hospital, with boarding houses converted to wards, allowing patients to stay overnight for 1-2 days while they recovered.
- 18,791 patients were screened, 471 patients received eye operations, 224 patients received ear, nose and throat operations and 7,198 glasses were dispersed.
Mobility Camp, Kenya
In October 2007, we supported a mobility camp in Kenya.
- 60 wheelchairs and 60 Jaipur Foot units were donated to 120 locals challenged with spinal injuries, stroke, limb deformities and amputations.
- Some of the wheelchairs had platforms attached to make it easier for users to trade.