Helen Lally
Chafing The Dream
Fundraising for University of Sheffield
Story
Thanks for visiting the fundraising page for "Chafing the Dream" - a team of your friendly Estates Development Project Managers and pals who have decided to take part in the Big Walk again this year to raise funds for Genetic Disease Research.
Obviously, Brian and Dave Holland are as enthusiastic as ever about all things sporty and have now gently persuaded the rest of us to join in. Bearing in mind none of us could even walk up the stairs afterwards last time they've done well to persuade us! This year we've even collared some additionals to join us in the form of some of the External Internal PM's and Jack Holland who works for Peak Evolution.
We'd really appreciate any sponsorship you could give us towards this great cause. Although this is a team fundraising page if you're sponsoring an individual please name check them in your comment when you sponsor them.
We've learnt our lesson so aren't promising any updates on either our training (we did so little last time we had to use a walk to the Uni Arms for lunch as our example) or en route (We were too busy drinking G&T's on the top of Stanage Edge for posting updates!) but the plan is to return to the Uni Arms afterwards and all are welcome to celebrate our return with us if they want to from approximately 6pm onwards!
The Reason why:
Support the Big Walk 2022 at University of Sheffield and help to advance Sheffield's pioneering Genetic Disease Research
Although individually uncommon, collectively it's estimated that rare diseases may affect up to 10% of the world's population. In the UK alone, 1 in 25 babies are born with a genetic disorder. Sheffield's research will change the lives of families who are desperately seeking a treatment for their loved-one.
Sheffield's scientists have discovered a way to engineer bespoke genes to replace or silence a faulty one. In the form of a safe viral vector these gene therapies will be manufactured in Sheffield and delivered to patients around the world.
The Sheffield team behind this research has already helped to develop gene therapy treatments for babies with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Babies suffering from SMA previously had a life expectancy of just two years, and were often left paralysed and unable to breathe on their own. After a single treatment, babies are now able to breathe without a ventilator and learn to walk. Some have even been able to start school.
By supporting this research you'll help Sheffield discover ways to treat even more genetic diseases. From genetic forms of Motor Neurone Disease to rare diseases such as COL4A1.
COL4A1 can cause strokes, spasms and heart defects in babies and can be detected as early as a 20 week pregnancy scan.
