Raising funds for vital research
An important part of our Why17? campaign, is to raise funds to develop and support projects that will lead to changes in practice that could save babies’ lives and fund research into the causes and prevention of stillbirths and neonatal deaths.
Sands has made some important advances during 2010.
National Reproductive Health Research Network (NRHRN)
The NRHRN coordinates the prioritisation of research in women's health through one portal, and in association with them Sands has established a new Clinical Studies Group (CSG) on Stillbirth. The new CSG is chaired by Professor Gordon Smith, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cambridge University, and will provide the primary route through which new ideas for clinical trials and other well designed studies are developed in the field of stillbirth.
Wellbeing of Women (WoW)
We have also teamed up with Wellbeing of Women (WoW), a charity that has over 40 years experience in funding research into reproductive health. Through WoW we called for applications in research into the causes or prevention of stillbirth. We have agreed to fund 2 proposals starting in 2010. The first will look at the risks to and treatment of pregnant women with obstetric cholestasis. The second will investigate whether the heart defect, cardiac arrhythmia, could be a cause of unexplained stillbirths.
Can you help us raise money for research?
The number 17 will form the basis of the theme for the campaign and will feature in the many ways our supporters can get involved.
Fundraising ideas range from simply setting up a regular £17 monthly donation to swimming 17 lengths, from holding a coffee morning on the 17th day of the month to running 17 miles. To find out more about how you can help our fundraising campaign please follow the link.
Sands Patron, Matt Allwright, star of BBC’s Rogue Traders is a key supporter of the Why17? Campaign:
“This campaign is absolutely vital in raising awareness of stillbirth and neonatal death which devastates far too many families in the UK. Sands is urging the public to support their campaign and where they can pledge a donation. Any donations no matter how small will go towards funding research to try and prevent the loss of much loved and longed for babies.”
If you would like to make a donation to support our campaign, it’s easy, just click here.
