J. K. Rowling Donates 10 Million Pounds for MS Research at University of Edinburgh
J.K. Rowling
Posted by: Edward
August 31, 2010, 08:28 AM
The BBC is reporting this morning that Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling has given a donation of 10 million pounds to the University of Edinburgh to fund a research clinic studying MS (Multiple sclerosis). The new research clinic will be named the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, after the author's mother who suffered from the decease and passed away at age 45. The BBC goes on to note that the clinic will also focus their efforts "on other degenerative neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Motor Neurone Disease." Ms Rowling is quoted as saying in regards to the donation:
"I cannot think of anything more important, or of more lasting value, than to help the university attract world-class minds in the field of neuroregeneration, to build on its long and illustrious history of medical research and, ultimately, to seek a cure for a very Scottish disease.
"I have just turned 45, the age at which my mother, Anne, died of complications related to her MS.
"I know that she would rather have had her name on this clinic than on any statue, flower garden or commemorative plaque, so this donation is on her behalf, too; and in gratitude for everything she gave me in her far-too-short life."
A second article on SkyNews
reports that '[t]he Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic will be based in a purpose-built facility within the University's Chancellor's Building, next to the city's Royal Infirmary at Little France. University officials said the development will build on Edinburgh's "strong track records" in patient-focused clinical research on neurological disorders and in imaging of the brain and nervous system. It follows the setting up of the Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Research at the university three years ago, which also received support from the author."
More information about the Centre for MS Research at the University of Edinburgh can be found
via this link.
Many thanks, Erna!
68 Comments
2394 Points
Oh, Jo you’re just so amazing! I wish I had the money to do something like that : )
113 Points
Good for Mrs.Rowling! What a wonderful contribution she has made that is sure to help other people out :)
13614 Points
Jo, you are really selfless and generous, I’m absolutely astounded by that donation! It’s … it’s … I’m speechless!!!
Love you, Jo, you’re brilliant!!!
x)
2792 Points
Good on you JK Rowling, what a worthy cause going to a very good university!
1249 Points
I’m so glad that Jo has chosen to use her powers for good rather than evil. We could really be in trouble!
No really – way to go Jo! We should all be so generous with our time, energy and/or money.
188 Points
Wow, how awesome!! Jo is so generous, I love her! And I did my stage last year about motor neuron disease, and all my subjects this year are about neuroscience, genetics, neurological diseases,.. I would love to work there someday! :)
5550 Points
This is generous. (: Plus she did it from the heart.
433 Points
Sarita, not exactly sure what you meant by that, but Jo is also involved in her charity Lumos (formerly known as the Children’s High Level group), which protects the rights of institutionalized children in the Czech Republic and Moldova. If you’ll recall, all the proceeds of Beedle the Bard went to that charity. She also donated to Haiti after the earthquake, and has opening discussed donating to other charities. Besides, I think most people who become involved in charities, regardless if they’re famous or not, usually pick ones that support causes they feel passionate about.
140 Points
Wow that’s great but who picked the photo it does not even look like her!
2792 Points
I just saw that news on Five just before CSI hehe
1925 Points
Thats great my grandmother suffered parkinson’s diease and 10 millon pounds is a lot of money.
314 Points
Today after work I thought I’d pick up a book at the nearby Barnes & Noble’s and passed a woman with MS on the way out. She had one of those motorized scooter things and was flanked on either side by her two little boys who were both looking adoringly at her. I kept thinking — chances are it’s going to get harder for her as they grow older and her own body weakens. It’s so fantastic that Jo is doing this. It’s going to affect the people we see every day.
3419 Points
Jo—everyday we your fans think you couldnt get any more awesome, and again and again you prove us wrong!!!!!!!! My mom also lost her mom at age 49, and she and her sisters are just turning with in that age range. my aunt just turned 50 and she looked at her sisters and said “i made it.” so Jo you have made it and your mother would very proud of you and what you are doing! I also lost my grandparents (my grandmother died on my birthday) and aunt to alzheimer’s so i know very well how devestating that disease can be as well! so great job Jo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We all love and support you!
37 Points
My mother also has MS, so thank you so much, Jo.
I know people have pointed out the “deceased” typo, but just letting you know you might wanna fix it :)
Oh, Jo you’re just so amazing! I wish I had the money to do something like that : )