This is such an amazing amount, and it could support an early career scientist for 18 months, further enabling our researchers to carry out vital work into the causes of this debilitating disease.
Cutting-edge research at the University is making a difference to patients and their families. Our researchers are improving the effectiveness and outcomes of clinical trials, furthering understanding of how Parkinson’s progresses, and speeding up the development of personalised treatments. This research aims to slow down, and potentially stop how quickly the disease takes hold.
Ceris Morris, Deputy Director of Campaigns & Alumni Relations (CAR) praises the efforts of everyone who contributed to the event’s success, and shares her own story:
“It has been inspiring to see how the University community took to our first virtual fundraising event over June. It was unchartered territory but alumni, staff, students and the public all came together to make it more incredible than we could have imagined.
My Big 30 challenge involved cycling a total of 300 miles and climbing 30,000 feet. It was daunting, but over the course of my challenge I cycled through parts of the Peak District that were brand new to me, and witnessed some spectacular evening skies, which made it all worth it.
Parkinsons’ Disease is a cause that is really important to me and my family - both my father and grandfather suffered from it. Two more people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every hour, a total of 18,000 every year. The disease will affect 145,000 people in the UK alone in 2020. Furthering research into treatments for this disease to reduce suffering is more important than ever.
The fantastic team at the University of Sheffield, led by Professor Oliver Bandmann and Dr Heather Mortiboys, are leading the way in developing new treatments for Parkinson's Disease. I am so proud that the University is fundraising for this vital research, and it’s been incredibly positive to see our community together to support this cause during these difficult times.”
