Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In the last week of March myself and my old man Peter have set ourselves the challenge of cycling from Sheffield to Groningen, Netherlands and back to raise money for the universities GDR appeal - https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/giving/causes/genetic-disease-research

Research undertaken at the University of Sheffield is already changing lives. This year, clinical trials of an experimental drug Tofersen showed promising signs of slowing the progression of Motor Neurone Disease and benefitted the patients of the trial significantly. Incredibly, helping one patient walk unaided and another write her own Christmas cards. 

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.

Your support for this Genetic Disease Research really will save lives.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

All donations will entirely go towards the GDR appeal, with all other costs being covered by us.