PDGN has welcomed what is believed to be the largest ever private donation for research into Type 1 diabetes, the £50 million (US $61million) donation by the Steve Morgan Foundation announced at the end of April.
The Steve Morgan Foundation was set up by Steve Morgan, founder of the Redrow housebuilding group, and the Foundation has so far donated over £350 million to charitable causes. Steve and Sally Morgan have a son Hugo who has Type 1 diabetes, and they were determined to give a donation which could make a real difference to young people with Type 1 diabetes. The major part of the donation will fund research into immunotherapy, but there will also be significant funding of research into ways that improve the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes on a day-to-day basis.
Sir Michael Hirst, Co-Chair of PDGN, and a family friend of Sally Morgan, said that he had been privileged to give advice and support to the proposal for this outstanding donation.
Sir Michael said: “The Steve Morgan Foundation has a most impressive record of support for charitable causes in the UK.
“Steve and Sally wanted to make a donation which would be a ‘game changer’. This research programme, involving Diabetes UK and JDRF, is a fantastic opportunity for brightest and best researchers to research immunotherapy, and transform life prospects for young people with, or at risk of developing, Type 1 diabetes. The potential benefits to the whole of the Type 1 diabetes community are immense, and the Morgans’ generosity is simply wonderful and hugely appreciated”.