Why support MND research?
When you donate to MND research or fundraise for MND at Sheffield, your generosity goes to straight to scientists on the cusp of life-saving MND treatments. 100% of your gift directly funds the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)—in a matter of weeks not years.
To learn more about how you can make a donation or fundraise for MND research, visit our main MND research appeal hub.
As the Rob Burrow Professor in Translational Neurobiology, I'm deeply honoured to be continuing Rob's legacy. It's recognition of my life's mission to make MND history, and testament to the world-leading work done here at the Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience."
Professor Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- What medical treatments has Sheffield developed for Motor Neuron Disease?
SITraN was the lead UK research centre behind the historic clinical trials for Tofersen, the first approved treatment shown to slow a genetic form of MND linked to the SOD1 gene, which affects 2% of patients. With a proven track record of bringing treatments from the lab and into the hands of doctors, Sheffield's leading scientists are now focusing on treatments for the other 98% of MND patients.
No other centre in the country offers as great a breadth of clinical trials for patients with neurological diseases. SITraN was the first site nationally to develop experimental genetic therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, and the first to deliver a highly promising new stem cell treatment for MS. Our researchers have also played a vital role in developing the life-saving gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a childhood form of MND.- Why is donating directly to a university more effective for MND researchers?
When you give to a university with a dedicated medical research hub like SITraN, your money goes directly to the people doing the research.
SITraN's scientists usually apply for grants from charities or research bodies to fund their work. This slow process eats into the time they should be spending on critical research, and it can take years for funding to be approved. Whether you choose to give a cash donation or start a direct debit today, every penny of your donation will fund SITraN's work in a matter of weeks, keeping our best minds conducting research instead of writing grant applications. Additionally, because the university holds exempt charitable status, Gift Aid can be claimed on your eligible donations, boosting the value of your gift by 25% at no extra cost to you.- Will 100% of my gift fund SITraN's research?
- Yes, every single penny of your donation goes directly to SITraN's research. Your gift won't be used to cover admin or fundraising costs.
- Direct Debits, cheques, and phone donations: 100% of your gift goes straight to SITraN. The university covers all processing and administrative costs internally for these methods, meaning nothing is deducted from your donation.
- Online Single Gifts: When you make a one-off donation online, our secure payment system will ask if you would like to optionally cover the small card processing fee. If you choose to cover it, your full donation amount goes straight to SITraN. If you prefer not to cover it, the university will pay the fee for you.
If you choose to make a regular gift to SITraN and in future the research is fully funded, then your gift may be directed to another research area that aligns with your preferences.
- What will my gift fund?
Your gift or fundraising will support the crucial ongoing costs SITraN needs to cover in order to accelerate MND research. This could include lab equipment and technology, new research posts or funding for clinical trials. Not only will you help SITraN find new treatments for MND, you'll also help our researchers find better ways to improve care for patients right now.
SITraN also conducts research into other neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease, rare genetic diseases, dementia, stroke and multiple sclerosis, by helping to fund the research facilities at SITraN, you'll also advance treatments for these other conditions, meaning your impact will be even greater.
When I started out as a clinician scientist in Neurology, my ambition was to improve the lives of people living with Motor Neuron Disease, and ultimately to find a cure. It is quite remarkable how far we have come in that time. I am truly astounded to say that we are now on the brink of offering a dramatically effective treatment for this relentless condition."
Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, Director of the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience