At the beginning of 2023, 4th year Neuroscience with Psychology student, Jake Bell, made the decision to take on a challenge to complete 3 races in 7 months to support maternal health research at the University of Aberdeen. Jake signed up to take part in the Run Balmoral 10k in April, followed by the Edinburgh Half Marathon in May, and on Sunday he will run the stunning Loch Ness Marathon.
As a student at the University finishing up his Industrial Placement with TauRx Therapeutics, Jake knows all too well the importance of funding for scientific and medical research.
‘Having spent the past year working for a company engaged in Alzheimer's research, I'm now more aware than ever of the importance of funding scientific research. Maternal health research might not have the same social awareness as cancer and dementia research; however, its significance cannot be underestimated. Across the UK and the world, complications during maternity impose a significant burden not only on the affected women but also on children and families’ says Jake.
Support of maternal health research is just as vital as ever and from 2024 our team of researchers will be based alongside NHS colleagues in the new Baird Family Hospital, allowing them to work together to advance research ensuring less women and their children are put at risk.
Jake continues ‘Aberdeen University has a worldwide presence in maternal health research, and funding their research will enhance women's health in Aberdeen and beyond, thereby improving the lives of families and extending its impact even further. I've already completed the Edinburgh Half Marathon and will be participating in the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday 1st October to support these remarkable researchers’.
To find out more and support Jake's fundraising efforts visit his JustGiving page here: https://tinyurl.com/23wn479y
