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David Heaton–Ellis finally lost his fight with motor neuron disease on Sunday May 10th 2009. He was aged 39 and approached Motor Neurone Disease with courage and fortitude. He leaves a huge gap in the lives of his friends and family. David had seen MND take the lives of his brother and aunt and from the moment he was diagnosed he was determined to make a difference. He wanted to develop a cure for MND. Not just for his 2 year old son, Geordie who has a 50% chance of developing MND, but for all people who have this dreadful disease. He realised that without knowing what causes MND it was almost impossible to develop a cure. One of the strongest clues to understanding what causes MND will come from identifying the defective genes that make people susceptible. Extraordinary advances in gene hunting technology mean that these genes can now be identified, the only limitation being cost. David assembled a group of friends and together they agreed on a fund raising target of £1.4million. In a period of only 9 months they have raised over £400,000, an extraordinary achievement, but there is still some distance to go. This funding has already been put to good use by supporting the gene hunting effort in the laboratory of Professor Christopher Shaw at King’s College London and has already contributed to the discovery of one new gene called FUS. This is a great start but many other genes need to discovered before the molecular jigsaw puzzle is complete and The Heaton Ellis Trust, in collaboration with the Motor Neuron Disease Association (UK) and the American ALS association, is committed to completing this task, which is an essential step in the way to discovering a cure for MND. With your support we have a real chance of beating MND and changing the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people with MND around the world. |
The Charity has no overheads or administration costs which means that
all money raised passes directly to the appeal.
Donate via [ Just Giving ]
Fundraising events 2010
The 2nd Heaton–Ellis Trust Shooting Challenge
Monday 24th May
At The Royal Berkshire Shooting School, Pangbourne, Berkshire RG8 8SD
Twenty–five teams of four guns each will compete in the challenge and ten stands will be shot on the day including two– and four–man flushes. The day will begin with breakfast and registration at 9.15am and following the morning’s shooting there will be a Champagne reception before the seated lunch, speeches, auction and prize giving.
The cost of a team (four guns) is £1,200 which is fully inclusive of all shooting, clays and cartridges, instruction, breakfast on arrival, midday snack and three course luncheon.
If you are interested in taking a team, sponsoring one of the stands or donating a prize for the auction please contact [ Clair Southwell ]
Bicycle Polo
Saturday 26th June
At Frith Farm, Tadley, Hampshire. RG26 5SA
Throw in at 1pm. Pimms Bar open all day.
Party kick off 7.30 with an assardo.
For information on tickets and the programme go to [ het–bicyclepolo.co.uk ]
If you are interested in entering a team or sponsorship please contact Charlotte Cassons. Tel: 07766 116484 Email: Charlotte Cassons
The Heaton–Ellis Trust Celebrity Polo Match and Ball
Saturday 17th July
At Burningfold Polo Centre, Dunsfold, Surrey
The day before the Cowdray Gold Cup, come and enjoy a champagne reception whilst watching celebrities, professionals and patrons play polo followed by a three–course dinner and live band. There will be a main auction and silent auction which will all benefit the Trust.
For further information please email [ Jess Muddle ]
The Heaton–Ellis Trust Race Day
Tuesday 28th September
At Newbury Race Course
We are excited to announce that Newbury Race Course will be playing host to the inaugural Heaton–Ellis Trust Race Day. We will be hosting our guests in The Pavillion at Newbury for a superb day of gourmet food and flat racing.
Racing expert and presenter Clare Balding will be auctioning some incredible ‘money–can’t–buy’ prizes, and of course there is the chance that you may back a winner in one of our six high–profile races.
Sponsor one of the races, take a table of ten guests or just buy a ticket for yourself. Whatever you decide, we look forward to welcoming you to a great day.
Further information will follow, but please call Romilla Arber on Tel: 01635 268989 or Email: Romilla Arber if you are interested in finding out more now.
The Heaton-Ellis Trust
PO Box 6170
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 9GE
Tel: 01635 268989
Fax: 01635 269090
Registered Charity No: 1126534
Trustees: Simon Arber, Bill Sexton, Philip Freedman, Tim Roupell, Sophie Heaton-Ellis
Fundraising Committee: Romilla Arber, Anabel Sexton and Sarah David Appeal Co-Ordinator: Clair Southwell