In this issue:

"Thank you for giving Caroll back to us"

For over 30 years, Caroline Martin lived in fear of her next epileptic seizure. But a revolutionary new brain scanning technique, developed with Action Medical Research funding, has enabled surgery to cure Caroline of her epilepsy and given her the chance to live the life she has longed for. Here is her story.

Advance in treating troublesome tendons

A new database of information about the workings of tendons has been developed, that will benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis or planning tendon surgery.

Campaign update

Touching Tiny Lives is the Charity’s campaign to help sick and vulnerable babies.We are especially concerned about the problem of premature birth, which is the biggest single cause of baby deaths in this country.

Deprivation and premature birth

Premature birth is the single biggest cause of death in babies. Women from deprived areas seem to be at increased risk of giving birth very prematurely, but no-one knows why.

Fair share

Making a charitable gift of shares has never before been so easy or tax efficient. By making a gift of shares or share dividends to Action Medical Research you can make a substantial tax saving.

First Action Partners welcomed

Action Medical Research is delighted to have welcomed the first Action Partners to the Charity, after launching the initiative in November last year.

Generous response to Christmas appeal

Some of you will have received our Christmas Star appeal in October, which asked supporters to write a short message on the back of a silver star, remembering their loved ones.

Glasgow ladies dig deep

The generosity of guests at the Ross Hall Ladies’ Lunch knows no bounds, as record sum is raised.

Improving wound healing for diabetes

In 2005, the number of people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes passed the two million mark, and estimates suggest that this figure will continue to rise. Diabetes can bring with it a number of complications, one of the most distressing being the slow healing of wounds.

In the News

How Action Medical Research has been hitting the headlines

Jargon busters

TV scientist Professor Heinz Wolff explains some common — and some not so common — scientific terms.

Listening and learning: catheter users explain their needs

Urinary incontinence may be a taboo subject, but in reality it’s a very common and distressing problem. Many sufferers are forced to rely on catheters to control their bladder.

Measuring blood flow to broken bones

People are suffering more broken bones than ever before, and many are left permanently disabled. Researchers are investigating whether a new scanning technique can help surgeons choose the most appropriate treatment.

New monitor to make pregnancy safer

A novel device for monitoring fetal heart rate will soon be reaching the unborn babies who need it most. It’s the product of over fifteen years of pioneering work, supported by Action Medical Research, and will give doctors a unique insight into what is going on inside the womb.

No longer a game of chance

Researchers can now predict the likelihood of a person with an inherited gene for the serious degenerative disorder Huntington’s Disease actually developing the condition, saving them from a life of uncertainty.

Paddington to celebrate 50 years

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Paddington book,”A Bear called Paddington”, written by Michael Bond.The hardback book, published by William Collins in October 1958, was the start of a half century of Paddington adventures.

Practice makes perfect

Being a professional musician demands years of dedication — but constant repetition of the precise hand movements required to play an instrument can lead to problems for an unlucky few.

Recycle with Action Medical Research

Action Medical Research is delighted to announce the launch of a new partnership with The Recycling Factory, generating valuable funds for vital research through recycled printer cartridges and mobile phones.

Reducing the risks to babies of teenage mums

The UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Western Europe. Three per cent of teenage girls become pregnant at just 15 to19 years of age, and are at increased risk of suffering complications.

Stimulating the brain to improve stroke recovery

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability. Ongoing clinical trials suggest an exciting new treatment, which involves electrical stimulation of the brain, might help patients regain more control over movement in their arms and hands.

The Doctor’s notebook

Dr Chris Steele from ITV’s This Morning writes for Touching Lives to address some common health concerns — in this issue, diabetes.

Touching Lives Tribute Funds

A year ago we introduced our Touching Lives Tribute Fund scheme, which enables supporters and their families to fundraise in memory of a loved one.

Why I support Action Medical Research

Anne Palmer, Action Medical Research County Chair, Trustee and dedicated supporter, has kindly remembered Action Medical Research in her Will.

Write on!

Teenagers need quick and clear handwriting if they are to do well in exams — but for one group of youngsters, putting pen to paper is a major problem.