Cystic fibrosis research at the University of Aberdeen is being boosted by support from a local couple in memory of their daughter.
After losing their daughter Chloe to cystic fibrosis, Professor Tom Baxter and his wife Grace wanted to support research being undertaken at the University of Aberdeen. With their help the University has been able to recruit a PhD student to concentrate fully on cystic fibrosis research.
Grace said “We wanted to have something set up in Chloe’s memory that she would have liked to be associated with. She was always keen to participate in drug trials and any other research so supporting this locally seemed to be the ideal solution.
“Professor Graham Devereux was Chloe’s consultant for her last few years and she got on especially well with him. We have also kept in touch with the cystic fibrosis team via Sister Kairen Griffiths and over the years we’ve made donations to support travel and equipment for patients and their families. However, Graham recently suggested that, in addition to this, Chloe’s Fund should be set up to specifically support cystic fibrosis research and act as a focus to channel research monies.”
The University has now committed to specific research into cystic fibrosis within Professor Devereux’s team which includes Dr Adilia Warris who is leading on the project and PhD student Shan Brunel who has come from Amsterdam.
Tom, who is a part-time lecturer at the University, and Grace have now generously committed to support Chloe’s Fund for three years through the University of Aberdeen Development Trust.
Grace continued “We’re getting friends and family involved and would like Chloe’s Fund to become better known so that others can contribute, either regularly or as one-off donations. Our hope is always ideally that cystic fibrosis research will find a cure but improved treatment is a realistic goal that we feel we can help towards.”
Fundraising income for Chloe’s Fund is channelled through the University of Aberdeen Development Trust which is an independent charity. The Trust raises essential funds to support much of the University’s activities such as vital medical research as well as supporting students through the provision of scholarships, bursaries and facilities.