Action Medical Research

Action Medical Research is a UK-based charity that funds medical research to prevent and treat disease and disability in children and young people. The charity was established in 1952 and has since funded numerous breakthrough discoveries, such as the first polio vaccines in the UK.

History

Action Medical Research was founded in 1952 by Duncan Guthrie in his quest to find a cure for poliomyelitis, a disease that affected his daughter. The charity initially focused on funding research into polio and other paralytic diseases affecting children. Over the years, the scope of the charity has expanded to include all areas of child health.

Research

Action Medical Research funds a wide range of research projects aimed at tackling conditions that affect children and young people, including asthma, premature birth, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and genetic disorders. The charity has a rigorous peer-review process to ensure that only the highest quality research is funded.

Fundraising

The charity relies on fundraising to support its research. This includes individual donations, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising events. One of the charity's most popular fundraising events is the annual 'Action 100' bike ride.

Impact

Over the years, Action Medical Research has funded numerous breakthroughs in child health. This includes the development of the first UK polio vaccines, the use of ultrasound in pregnancy, and the discovery of the importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy to prevent spina bifida.

See also

• Medical research
• Children's health
• Charity (practice)