Current Releases
05/11/2008
Lord Mayor's Appeal 2008 to fund unique genetic research that will save lives
Wellbeing of Women, the only UK charity dedicated to solving the health issues that solely affect women, are creating a unique global research resource (known as a Biobank) dedicated to solving the four main complications in pregnancy, thanks to the money raised by the Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2008 -which held its final event last night. Once complete, the research database will be shared with other medical experts internationally to help save the lives of mothers and babies across the globe.
The main complications of pregnancy are: recurrent miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction (abnormally small babies), pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy) and premature delivery.
The research will involve collecting blood and tissue samples from the parents of babies (placenta) affected by one or more of these complications. This will be the first study of its kind and the most extensive as it will analyse not only maternal, but paternal blood samples.
These samples taken will be examined to investigate the possible underlying causes of these conditions and how far these are inherited.
Further details of the Biobank will be announced in early 2009
LMA
Every year, following the appointment of a new Lord Mayor of the City of London, he chooses one or more charities to benefit from his Appeal. This year, The Rt. Hon. David Lewis has presided over another successful fund raising year with Wellbeing of Women as the main beneficiary.
A number of high profile events and gala dinners have been held as part of this year’s Appeal. It was launched with the Women’s Celebratory Dinner at the Mansion House, hosted by the Lord Mayor and attracted some 220 attendees, most of them women.
Lord Sebastian Coe and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Eleanor Oldroyd hosted the Sporting Heroes Dinner, attended by Patron of the Appeal HRH Prince William, with guest speakers including Sir Tim Rice. A panel of celebrities were asked to give reasons why their personal favourite sportsman or women should be crowned Sporting Hero of the year.
September saw our Celebration of Cultures, that more than lived up to its name with a range of colourful and dynamic entertainment from a West Indian Steel Band to a Chant from Frititi.
The Grand Finale – a spectacular concert at St Paul’s Cathedral and sumptuous gala dinner at Guildhall takes place tonight -5th November - marking the high point in a truly triumphant year.
The Appeal not only raised much-needed funds but has also helped to raise the profile of Wellbeing of Women. The charity was established in 1964 and over time has raised millions to fund the training and development of specialist doctors as well as funding the very best research. Our success rests on our strict process of peer review that we operate on all grant applications.
Liz Campbell, Director of Wellbeing said:
“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be selected to benefit from a Lord Mayor’s Appeal. At Wellbeing of Women we were so thrilled when the Lord Mayor, David Lewis, chose us to be both the main beneficiary and to organise his Appeal. We were determined to make the most of every opportunity to raise money and find new friends and supporters. We are delighted how well the year has gone.”
For more information about Wellbeing of Women, please visit our website www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk
Wellbeing of Women press office
Ryan Holloway, PR Manager, 020 7772 6400/ 07932089280 or email
Notes to Editors
Wellbeing of Women
- Wellbeing of Women is the only UK charity dedicated to solving the health problems that affect women by funding medical research and training into all aspects of reproductive health. Over the past 40 years, Wellbeing of Women has invested millions in funding the very best in medical research and training. Every woman living in the UK since 1964 will have benefited from advances in healthcare made possible by research grants from Wellbeing of Women, such as ultrasound and cervical cancer screening.
- Sarah Brown became Patron in 2007, following in the steps of other illustrious patrons including Diana, Princess of Wales, who became Patron of Wellbeing of Women, formerly Birthright, in 1984
- Pictures and interviews are available on request
Wellbeing of Women
27 Sussex Place
Regent's Park
London NW1 4SP
Tel: 020 7772 6400
Fax: 020 7724 7725
wellbeingofwomen@rcog.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 239281
Regent's Park
London NW1 4SP
Tel: 020 7772 6400
Fax: 020 7724 7725
wellbeingofwomen@rcog.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 239281
