gait: a person’s manner of walking

Gait is your walking pattern, and everyone’s gait is unique.

Sometimes, an underlying medical condition can cause changes to your usual walking pattern. For example, health conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s can cause problems resulting in gait abnormalities.

Balance impairments are a common symptom that can lead to trips and falls, negatively affecting daily activities. Current research at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic is focused on walking and balance impairments in people with MS, in different stages of their disease.

A force platform measures reaction forces, offering insight into the mechanics of movement, which can be used to assist in rehabilitation, and possibly even predict future changes.

Having a force platform at the Anne Rowling Clinic will give colleagues the opportunity to perform studies of balance in people living with neurological conditions.

The platform we want to purchase costs approximately £12,000.

• Neil and Alastair raised £5,700 by taking part in the 26th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique in January.

• Gillian raised over £500 by completing Glasgow Kiltwalk’s Big Stroll.

This £6,200 will be used towards the force platform, as will the donations that we expect to receive over the coming months thanks to the following fantastic fundraisers:

• Hannah is taking part in the Dundee Kiltwalk, Mighty Stride.

• Ashley, Gemma and Martin are taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, Mighty Stride.

• Fiona, Lynne and Val are using their 60th birthday celebrations to raise funds.

To show their gratitude to our amazing supporters, colleagues at the Anne Rowling Clinic are also fundraising, including taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on 15 September

Please help us improve our research by donating to our fundraiser today.

With thanks in advance for your donation, from all the colleagues at the Anne Rowling Clinic.

Please note that we can't guarantee we will be able to raise enough money to make this purchase, but we can guarantee to do our very best! Please be aware when making your donation that if we do not manage to raise enough money for this purchase, your donation will be used to support Anne Rowling Clinic research.

Thank you again.