Finding treatments & cures for childhood illnesses

Thank you for donating to Sparks through Global Giving. We’d like to show you just how your support is helping us to raise more funds for medical research. 

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that only occurs during pregnancy and can have serious consequences for both mother and infant. The condition affects 1 in every 14 UK pregnancies and sadly results in the death of several hundred babies and around six mothers a year.

The causes of pre-eclampsia are not well understood and currently the only treatment is early delivery of the baby which carries its own health complications such as stillbirth, growth restriction or respiratory distress.

Midwife, Heidi was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia by a team at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, where Sparks is funding a major pre-eclampsia research project.

“As a midwife, I often look after women suffering from pre-eclampsia. But it is very different—as well as ironic—to be in that position yourself. All your training and experience doesn’t stop it being a very scary and distressing time.”

Sparks-funded researchers are hoping to develop an early-warning test which could identify pregnant mothers at risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

 “Sparks funding has been important because research is desperately needed to prevent pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia - the focus of our project. Such complications can have devastating effects on the mother, child and wider family. We are therefore hugely grateful to Sparks for their commitment and financial support.”
Dr Ian Crocker, Clinical Scientist, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester

Sparks has many new projects that will be funded in 2011.  Your donations will help us to find more treatments and cures for conditions affecting pregnancy, babies and the early years of life.

Links:

• Sparks funded research - pre-eclampsia