07/12/2004

Health research at forefront of Big Lottery Funding

Health and social inclusion are at the forefront of nine awards totalling over £2 million awarded by the Big Lottery Fund today.

Announcing today’s funding, Sir Clive Booth, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said research into debilitating diseases to help find better methods of treatment was crucial to supporting those who are most vulnerable.

One of the recipients of today's announcement is the Cystic Fibrosis Trust who has been awarded £509,759. People with Cystic Fibrosis who suffer from lung infections are subject to a draconian policy of segregation to prevent cross infections as lung damage is the cause of death in over 90% of people with the disease.

This medical project seeks to improve the quality of life of people with Cystic Fibrosis by helping develop faster and more accurate diagnosis of life-threatening lung infections, identify virulent strains of bacteria and develop more effective drugs to control infection.

Chief Executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Rosie Barnes said: "Transmission within the Cystic Fibrosis community of life-threatening lung infections can have a devastating effect on lives. This means that many individuals are often forced to live in isolation, unable to interact and share experiences with other Cystic Fibrosis sufferers.

"Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund award our ground-breaking research will investigate the spread of 'superbugs'. It will also improve speed and accuracy of diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections. This will help those living with the UK's most common, life-threatening inherited disease have healthier and happier lives."

Other groups awarded funding include The Meningitis Trust; Age Concern, Surrey; Age Concern Scotland; Fathers Direct; and the Youth Action Network.

(MB)

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