Christmas light

Sparks is the only UK children’s charity that funds medical research across the whole spectrum of paediatric medicine and this makes us unique. We tackle conditions as diverse as cerebral palsy, meningitis, spina bifida, childhood arthritis, pre-eclampsia, childhood cancers and the dangers of premature birth.

Statistically, 1 in 30 babies in the UK are born with a health condition that will affect them, and subsequently their families for the rest of their lives. Sparks’ aim is to reduce this statistic to ensure that all babies are born healthy and stay healthy.

Sparks – Our successes

Our research, carried out by leading doctors and researchers nationwide, is saving and improving the lives of children throughout the world. Recent achievements include:

• Identifying a gene that may protect against all cancers including neuroblastoma – the biggest cancer killer of the under 5’s
   
• Leading the world’s biggest study into club foot, where our team has identified the key gene that robs so many children of a fully active life
• Identifying the genes that are believed to be the cause of spina bifida
• Contributing to the development of brain cooling equipment that is reducing the incidence of brain injury and cerebral palsy in babies

Sparks is very proud of the success of our research so far, but we are still receiving far more deserving research applications than we can possibly fund. That’s where your support will really make a difference.

 

Menu