Dogpaddling the Thames to aid stem-cell research
Each month at WLM, we highlight a charity that is working to make our communities better. When Urban Vitality founder John Limpus told us that this month he will swim the Thames by doggy paddle, we figured this must be for a good cause. His 155-mile panting paddle will raise funds for the UK Stem Cell Foundation. John was inspired by the story of UKSCF trustee James Taylor, whose life changed in an instant when he broke his neck in a diving accident. We asked the UKSCF about the pioneering work they fund.
Tell us about the UK Stem Cell Foundation.
The UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF) believes that cell-based treatments hold the potential to advance medical science. If such research can translate to mainstream treatments, this will not only benefit millions of people around the globe, but also alleviate the cost to the public purse. UKSCF funds projects where research has indicated potential for direct clinical benefit for patients in the short to medium term (three to five years). Over the last ten years, the Foundation has funded a wide range of projects, investigating the safety and efficacy of potential treatments, but we need to do more to ensure that these projects reach clinical trial stage.
What are stem cells and how might they help?
A stem cell is a cell capable of becoming another, more differentiated cell type in the body, such as a skin cell, a muscle cell or a nerve cell. Because of their ability to become different types of cells, they offer us the greatest potential to treat degenerative conditions and illness that affect us all—spinal cord damage; sports injuries; bone, cartilage and tendon damage; blood cancer; diabetes; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s; Alzheimer’s; arthritis; blindness; stroke and heart disease.
What are any obstacles your organisation faces?
UKSCF receives an increasing number of enquiries from desperate people who are turning to overseas clinics and companies that offer them false hope of curing untreatable diseases and conditions using stem cells. All too frequently these companies are charging thousands of pounds when the treatments offered are often unlicensed, unapproved and unregulated. This sets our work back significantly as funding is scarce. We frequently hear in the press of tens if not hundreds of thousands of pounds being raised for an individual to receive unproven treatment overseas. Unfortunately, this can detract from fundraising by charities such as ours for well-constructed, robust trials being undertaken in the UK that are safe and efficacious and will benefit many in the future.
What are your funding sources?
UKSCF generates funding through private donations and collaborations with other institutions and charities to fast-track the translation of pioneering techniques into future therapies.
Do you hold events throughout the year?
We do not hold annual events as the expense diverts funding from our projects.
How can people get involved?
There are many ways in which people can get involved with the Foundation. We are asking our supporters and anyone with an interest in seeing this type of research reach its full potential to help raise funds for research. This can be done through a variety of ways, such as:
- Making a one-off or monthly personal donation.
- Organising a fundraiser, such as a charity day at work, charity auction or dinner.
- Undertaking a challenge [as John Limpus is doing], asking friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.
- Nominating the UK Stem Cell Foundation as your preferred charity at a local club.
- Encouraging your employer to match the funds you raise.
We are dependent upon the support of individuals, charitable trusts and companies to fund this important research. As we are a registered charity, all donations attract tax relief, making each donation go that much further.
Find out more about the UK Stem Cell Foundation, watch John’s video interview with James Taylor, read about the team undertaking the Thames doggy paddle, or support their effort.
