Hull and East Riding
Make a difference today.
Our aim at the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation (nsif) is simple and life-changing: to develop a biological treatment for spinal cord injury. We want to enable people with paralysis from SCI to enjoy everything that is so easy to take for granted – from walking to basic bladder, bowel and breathing functionality, sexual function and living independent lives. We are achieving this by funding pioneering research all the way from the laboratories of University College London to its clinical application at Wroclaw University Hospital.
There is currently no accepted cure for spinal cord injury. This is in part because, until recently, it was a widely held belief that reconnecting severed spinal cords was not possible. The work we fund is strongly challenging that belief.
The first patient, Darek Fidyka, underwent the innovative procedure in 2012 followed by intensive physiotherapy. Since then he has made truly remarkable progress. From a completely severed spinal cord with no movement or sensation below the injury site, Darek is now able to walk with a frame, ride a specially adapted tricycle and has marked improvement in bladder control and sexual function.
Since the first procedure, new innovations have been developed by the team at UCL to improve both the cell transplantation technique and the surgical procedure that will be used. We believe we are on the verge of changing the lives of millions globally. To do this we need to repeat the procedure in two more patients in order to test the validity and reliability of the technique.
A cure is in sight but to reach it we need further support. Despite the breakthroughs receiving extensive coverage in well-respected scientific journals and the wider global media, our need for funding remains acute.
As a tiny organization without any government funding, operating in the wake of Covid-19, we face an uphill battle. Any support received is greatly appreciated by the nsif team and the scientists alike; from completing fundraising challenges, making donations or sharing our updates on social media. Funds raised go towards the research. We hope that one day a treatment will be available for those that have suffered, or will suffer, a spinal cord injury.
Text ‘nsif40 £5’ to 70070