In this issue:

"More research is needed to help families like us"

Anna and Brendan O’Driscoll have experienced the extreme trauma of having a premature baby not once, but twice.Their first son overcame his difficult start to life, and is now a healthy four year old. However, tragically, their second baby died aged just four days. Now Anna feels much more research into the causes of premature birth is needed, to spare other families the heartache of losing a baby.

Bring Your Bear week

We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to all the schools, nurseries and other organisations that have taken part — or are about to take part — in this year’s 10th anniversary Bring Your Bear event.

Building blocks for life

A study supported by Action Medical Research has shown that young children can be helped to develop movement skills by their teachers. From ages three to six, children develop fundamental movement skills that are the building blocks for the rest of their lives.

Diagnostic test for rare genetic condition

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a genetic disorder which causes the insidious growth of cysts and tumours on many parts of the body, including the eyes, brain and the kidneys. Sufferers stand a 50/50 chance of passing it on to their offspring, but until recently there was no way of determining whether or not someone had inherited the gene. Now, with help from Action Medical Research, a conclusive genetic test is bringing an end to years of uncertainty for affected families.

Drama boosts tribute fund

We are always particularly grateful for the gifts people make in memory of someone special, which serve both to support our work and pay tribute to the life of a much-loved person.

Even fairer shares

In the Spring issue of Touching Lives we explained that if you donate shares to Action Medical Research you will not pay income tax on the equivalent amount of your annual income in the tax year that the gift is made.

Fine dining with Davina

TV star Davina McCall is coming to Southampton for a special ladies’ lunch on Friday 21st September 2007, where we hope over 300 supporters will join us for this prestigious and glamorous event at The De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel.

In the news

How Action Medical Research has been hitting the headlines

Jargon busters

The Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Protecting the nerve cells in motor neurone disease

It can take many months of painstaking research to achieve significant medical advances — which is why long-term relationships between Action Medical Research and clinicians and scientists can be so important.

The Doctor’s notebook

Dr Chris Steele from ITV’s ‘This Morning’ writes for Touching Lives to address our health concerns.This issue he talks about deep vein thrombosis.

The silent menace of stroke

Each year more than 130,000 people in this country have a stroke and while most people affected are over 65, it can happen to anyone, even children. Stroke is caused by a blockage of an artery or bleed in the brain and can affect the body in many ways, including robbing a victim of movement or speech. Some stroke patients have difficulty in swallowing — their food may be inhaled into their lungs because their normal swallowing, coughing or choking reflex has been lost. Food and drink particles in the airways can have serious health implications, causing chest infection, pneumonia and death.This condition is a silent menace of stroke — in some people it happens without a cough and no one knows it is happening.

Touching Tiny Lives — the campaign goes on!

Charity announces ambitious plans to boost fundraising appeal… and to renew its help for sick and vulnerable babies.

Touching Tiny Lives: the story so far

The Touching Tiny Lives projects supported by Action Medical Research are in full swing. Twenty-six different studies have been funded, directing £2.5 million towards beating the problems of pregnancy, childbirth and the early years.

Trek coast to coast

The 80s stars return for yet another trek — why not join them on their latest adventure? From 8—19 March 2008,Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Richard Drummie (Go West) and Martin Fry (ABC) will be taking on the mighty challenge of trekking coast to coast in Costa Rica, and Action Medical Research is looking for volunteers to come and join them on this exciting trail.

Ways to get joints moving

An Action Medical Research study has shown how a specially designed splint can help children with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects one baby in every 400.

Why we support

John Birkens, Commercial Director of Avanti Systems Ltd, explains why his company decided to support Action Medical Research