Research fund receives additional £500,000 boost from Foundation
A
FUND established by the MND Association and LifeArc to boost research into effective treatments for MND has been given an additional £500,000 by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The Translational Research Fund, which now stands at £1.5 million thanks to equal contributions from the Association, LifeArc and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, will be spent on research projects which are focused on developing new therapies or repurposing drugs already approved for other conditions. The Association’s Director of Research Development, Dr Brian Dickie said: “Our understanding of the causes of MND has improved dramatically over the last two decades but the biggest challenge remains: to turn this knowledge into effective treatments. We believe MND is not incurable, but it is underfunded, so we are delighted that through the three charities teaming up, we are able to ensure our own £500,000 contribution, raised by Kevin Sinfield during his 7 in 7 Challenge
inspired by his team-mate and friend Rob Burrow, will be used to maximum effect.” Doddie Weir, Founder of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “This fund gives hope that something can be found soon for those living with MND like myself. Researchers in the UK and Ireland are already making good progress, but urgently need funding to take the science out of the labs and into clinical trials. We are excited to be teaming up with LifeArc and the MND Association who share our vision and hope this £1.5 million fund will make a real difference.” Dr Melanie Lee CBE, LifeArc’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The expanded fund will help to bridge the gap between fundamental research into MND disease mechanisms and the search for practical treatments. It means we can support more research grant applications of the highest quality with the greatest potential to make a difference to the lives of those living with MND.” For more research news turn to pages 6 and 7.
Helping to make caring ‘visible and valued’
H
ELPING to make caring more ‘visible and valued’ was the aim of Carers Week 2021. Together with five other charities, the Association supported Carers Week by calling on the Government to provide £1.2 billion of funding to enable unpaid carers to take all-important breaks. A report called Breaks or breakdown, which was published to coincide with Carers Week, showed, unsurprisingly, that carers are exhausted, with many unable to take breaks, particularly during the pandemic. The report
featured Association members Dan and Mark who described their experience. During the week, the Association enabled people affected by MND to meet with MPs to raise awareness of the disease and make the case for greater Government support for carers. The Association offers carer grants of up £500 to support carers, young carers and bereaved carers. Please do apply if you need assistance. You can find the form on our website at www.mndassociation.org/grants www.mndassociation.org
15
