Latest news with #LilyFoundation
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'It was incredibly moving to hear' - York dad welcomes medical breakthrough
A YORK dad whose son was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of a life-limiting illness has welcomed news of a medical breakthrough. Sid Gornall, who lives in Holgate, has welcomed the publication of new research highlighting the early success of mitochondrial donation – a pioneering form of IVF designed to reduce the transmission of certain types of mitochondrial disease. Recommended reading: York teenager wins gold for England for third time 'These are tremendously exciting times' - sports stars back North Yorkshire estate Famous York cafe setting up shop at North Yorkshire stately home As The Press has previously reported, his son Bill, who is now 13 and goes to Manor CE School, was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease MELAS in 2020, a rare disorder that begins in childhood and mostly affects the nervous system and muscles. Bill Gornall (Image: Supplied) "The news of the breakthrough in mitochondrial donation was incredibly moving to hear," said Sid. "It gives much needed hope to any families who have children battling this devastating disease but also gives great hope for parents who have lost children. "All of the fundraising is in the hope that one day a treatment or a cure will be found. This weekend we will spend time with other families supported by the Lily Foundation and celebrate this incredible breakthrough and strengthen our resolve to spread the word about mitochondrial disease and continue fundraising to find a cure." Sid Gornall has fundraised for the Lily Foundation (Image: Supplied) The Lily Foundation is the UK's leading mitochondrial disease charity, and says the technique offers the potential for parents to have healthy, genetically related children without passing on faulty mitochondrial DNA. Liz Curtis, founder and CEO of the Surrey-based charity, said: 'After years of waiting, we now know that eight babies have been born using this technique, all showing no signs of mitochondrial disease. For many affected families, it's the first real hope of breaking the cycle of this inherited condition.' Mitochondrial disease is caused by faults in the mitochondria – tiny structures within cells that produce over 90 per cent of the body's energy. Every year, around one baby in 5000 is born with mitochondrial DNA mutations that can cause the disease. Despite years of research, there is currently no cure. Mitochondrial donation works by transferring the nuclear DNA from an affected woman's egg into a healthy donor egg with functioning mitochondria. The technique remains in the early stages and long-term outcomes are still being studied. However, this new research from the Newcastle University-based team who first pioneered the technique marks a significant milestone in what has been a years-long journey of scientific innovation, ethical debate and policy development. 'At its heart, mitochondrial donation is about choice,' said Ms Curtis. 'This breakthrough gives families more options to have healthy children and is a powerful reminder that mitochondrial research is moving forward – and hope is very much alive.' Bill and his dad, Sid (Image: Supplied)
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Island couple to walk 1,200 miles from Canterbury to Rome
An Isle of Wight couple are walking over 1,200 miles from Canterbury Cathedral to Rome for charity. Linda and Paul Southwell, who live in Wootton, will start the walk on Friday (May 16), following the Via Francigena route. Linda said: "I've always wanted to do this walk when I retired, and the only way I'm going to do it is for charity." The couple are doing the pilgrimage route in aid of the Lily Foundation, after hearing of young Islander Teddy Ward's diagnosis of a rare mitochondrial condition. Read more: Rare disease leaves Isle of Wight toddler fighting for life Island man's first marathon raises £800 for sea pool project Linda asked Teddy's father, Dan, for his permission to fundraise for the charity, and has since raised over £2,000. Donate at They will embark on their journey by getting the 7.05am bus from Wootton, making their way up to Canterbury to start their journey. They will then travel across the Channel to Calais, cross France diagonally to Switzerland, before heading over the mountains and down through Italy. Linda said she is walking in honour of her nan, who was her role model and would be so proud of her undertaking this feat. In Rome, she hopes to meet the new Pope - although she understands he might be a bit busy. Linda said: "We've done fundraising bits before, but never anything like this. "It's been absolutely incredible."
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Tom Holland and Niall Horan memorabilia in Surrey charity auction
Memorabilia from celebrities including Tom Holland and Niall Horan is being sold at auction in aid of a rare disease charity in Surrey. Items including ballet shoes worn by the Spiderman actor in Billy Elliot the Musical and signed trainers from the former One Direction singer are among the items on offer in The Big Lily Bid auction, in aid of The Lily Foundation, based in foundation, which supports families affected by mitochondrial disease, was set up by Liz Curtis in memory of her daughter, Lily, who died aged eight online auction is available on the charity's website and closes at 21:00 BST on Wednesday. Other items in the auction include meet and greet tickets for Peter Kay's UK tour and signed football shirts from Frank Lampard and Paulo Di Canio, among disease is a term used to describe conditions caused by faulty mitochondria and can affect different parts of the body including the brain, heart and is currently no cure for the Lily Foundation has raised £10.7m and supported more than 1300 families since it was set up.
