Vasculitis researchers at the University of Aberdeen set to benefit from generous donation.
Two representatives from Scottish charity Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis Scotland (PMR-GCA Scotland) recently travelled from the central belt to hand over a donation of £1,500 to support the University’s vasculitis research.
Christine Ritchie and Lorna Neill, who are both volunteers on the organisation’s helpline, visited the University’s Foresterhill medical and life sciences campus last month. They were greeted and thanked by Dr Neil Basu, a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Researcher at the University who leads the project the gift will support.
Bea Nicholson, the organisation’s Chair said “PMR-GCA Scotland is very keen to support any research which helps early diagnosis and condition management and might lead to an improvement in quality of life for anyone with either condition. A frequent comment is ‘we cannot function normally because of pain or unreasonable fatigue’ and trying to explain it to family, friends and medical professionals is virtually impossible. When we heard about the vasculitis research project being carried out at the University of Aberdeen (GCA is a form of vasculitis), which is looking to improve treatment and outcomes, the membership agreed that we would like to financially support the work.”
Dr Basu said “At the University we undertake a diverse range of research activities and my multi-disciplinary research programme aims to tackle the challenges facing patients with all forms of vasculitis, including giant cell arteritis. Generous donations from various sources allow us to conduct substantial research in this specific field and I would like to thank PMR-GCA Scotland for their support.”
Fundraising income for the University’s vasculitis research is channelled through the University of Aberdeen Development Trust which is a charity registered in Scotland. The Trust raises essential funds to support much of the University’s activities such as vital medical research as well as supporting students through the provision of scholarships, bursaries and facilities. Funding from alumni, individuals, companies, organisations and the community is essential for the development of vasculitis research in Aberdeen as well as many other activities.