Thank you for visiting our JustGiving page. On Friday 24th June, we will be taking part in the Big Walk 2022 in support of Genetic Disease Research at the University of Sheffield. Any donations are appreciated to help reach our fundraising goal!

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 disease.  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.

We are the Finance team at the University and the current team members are: Jo Rollitt, Jo Viney, Paul Gofton, Steve Ramsden, Rob Kelsall,  Debbie Rowlinson, Helen Worsfold, Mark Hardy, Hooman Aghajani, Andy Cattermole, Jonny Mcquillin, Deborah Damment, Sue Grocutt, Kathryn Beaumont, Julie Ryan, Jo Jones,  Chris Pigott, Beth Walker, , Cara Chady, Sarah Smalley, Harry Walker & Maywan Liu.

We also have volunteers that have given up their time to help out on the day.  Thank you, Rhiannon Hill, Kate Fletcher, Paul Woodhouse & Debbie Finnie.

Thank you for your support.