BNRT - British Neurological Research Trust (Charity No. 298098)

The BNRT at the Institute of Neurology at University College London was established in 1987 to support the research needed to find a method of repairing damage to the brain and spinal cord in patients suffering from the crippling effects of spinal cord injury, birth injuries, strokes, head injuries, multiple sclerosis and degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

The project, supported by the BNRT is under the direction of Professor Geoffrey Raisman, who has dedicated his entire career to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries:

“Medical and surgical advances have seen an endless stream of treatments that previously seemed inconceivable – antibiotics, immunisation, heart, lung, liver, kidney transplants, blood transfusion, skin grafting, artificial hips and knees. We need support to sustain current work. This will open the door to the repair of spinal cord injury and, following that, to stroke, blindness and deafness caused by injuries to nerve fibre connections.”
(Professor Geoffrey Raisman, July 2009)

Since the early 1990’s Raisman has been working with a team of scientists to develop a process to use olfactory ensheathing cells to bridge the gaps left by spinal cord injury. The results have been beyond his wildest dreams. In clinical trials, not only did the cells survive the transplant, but critically they also bridged the gap allowing new nerves to grow and movement to return. 

In December 2006 trials on human patients began with the aim of restoring movement in injuries known as “brachial plexus avulsions”, essentially spinal injuries that paralyse the arm causing acute pain and commonly caused by traffic accidents. If this proves successful, it could provide cures for a variety of spinal nerve damage including those sustained by James.

Tragically, the BNRT is currently suffering from a severe lack of funds, so any donation will be received with immense gratitude, and will help Professor Raisman and his team continue with their ground-breaking research, and give hope to the thousands of people, all over the world, who find themselves in the same position as James.

Visit www.ion.ucl.ac.uk/research/hbir/spinal_repair_unit.htm for more information about the BNRT.