GIVING HOPE TO THE ONE IN SIX

[ONE IN SIX PEOPLE in the UK has a neurological disorder: that amounts to 16.5 million mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends and colleagues. Improving the outcome and quality of the lives of those affected is the driving force behind The National Brain Appeal, which funds pioneering research and provides access to the very latest technology for clinicians and researchers working in this field.

The charity dedicated to raising funds to advance treatments and research at the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery and the Institute of Neurology – together known as Queen Square – is The National Brain Appeal.

The driving force behind the charity’s work is the aim to improve the outcome and quality of life for everyone affected by a neurological condition. They include brain tumours, stroke, epilepsy, dementias, MS, motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s disease: all of which have no cure as yet. They look to achieve that vision by funding state-of-the-art equipment, major building programmes and life-saving research – over and above what the NHS can provide.

Legacies represent up to one quarter of The National Brain Appeal’s annual income. “They are crucial to the fundraising work we do,” said chief executive Theresa Dauncey (right). “We’re extremely grateful for every legacy left to us. Leaving just 1% of your estate can make a very real difference and is an investment in the future. The more money we receive, the more support we can give to the National Hospital, which in turn improves the prospects for those affected by neurological disorders.”

Penelope pictured (below) was diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) in 2004 at the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery and attends a day care clinic run by a team of specialist nurses.

“My own personal journey with MMN makes me want to give back in whatever way I can,” she said. “That is why I have left a gift in my will to The National Brain Appeal. I want to help to fund crucial research into all neurological conditions going forward.”

Meta Wells-Thorpe (above right) is a former National Hospital patient. She had successful surgery for a benign brain tumour there in 1988. Since then both her husband and sister have died of neurological conditions.

She explained: “My husband had Parkinson’s and my sister had multiple sclerosis – these are cruel diseases for which there is no cure and little hope.”

With that in mind Meta has made The National Brain Appeal a major beneficiary in her will. “The lack of a cure for so many debilitating neurological conditions is a strong motivator for me to want to help,” she continued, “and by leaving a legacy I can be part of something that will provide hope for others.”

Now more than ever, benefactors to The National Brain Appeal can control where they would like their money to go. There are six specific funding areas for which individuals can make a legacy pledge:

• Neurology: funding initiatives to improve diagnosis and treatment, and

• provide facilities for those with on-going neurological conditions

• Neurodegeneration: supporting projects which help people with

• conditions where there is progressive degeneration

• Neurosurgery: providing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the

• UK’s largest neurosurgery unit

• Technology and innovation: supporting projects which translate

• groundbreaking ideas into better results for patients

• Education and staff development: investment to provide the best

• opportunities and attract the best people in the field

• Queen Square: new facilities and staff-led projects at the National

• Hospital and the Institute of Neurology

For those who do not specify a funding area, their gift can be put towards an area with the most urgent need. q

Without the generosity and foresight of those who leave a legacy, we simply could not support the number of vital projects that we are currently able to.

• For more information about legacies and the National Brain Appeal, contact info@nationalbrainappeal.org or view the legacy section of the website at nationalbrainappeal.org/legacy