Aims2Cure

THE MICHELE ELSTER FUND – IMPROVING THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH MS

AIDING RESEARCH INTO MULTIPLE SCELROSIS

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Who We Help

All About Aims2Cure

Aims2Cure is a registered charity established in 1999. Our aim is to fund research into finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to help improve the lives of those living with the condition. The Aims2Cure committee is made up of approximately 12 voluntary members including 6 Trustees who are all committed and passionate to our main objectives.

Aims2Cure has funded research at leading neurological institutions in the United Kingdom including the Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation at The University of Oxford based at John Radcliffe Hospital, UCL Institute of Neurology, Blizard Institute at The Royal London Hospital (QMUL) and Kings College London.

Through our Michelè Elster Fund, we help to improve the quality of life of those living with MS by providing assistance and equipment to both individuals and MS therapy centres throughout the UK.

Aims2Cure hold various fundraising events throughout the year and have to date raised over £1.2 million and we are extremely proud of this achievement.

MS is a condition which often starts in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40. They are often in the prime of their life, building careers and families. MS affects people differently but can include problems with their vision or mobility or sensation issues. It can lead to someone requiring regular medication, repeated hospital visits and admissions. Over time those with MS may become less independent and have to face many issues associated with this.

Our Objectives

Aims2Cure is governed by a Constitution and has a Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and 6 Trustees. All posts are voluntary.

The Charity’s aims are:
To promote medical research through funding research projects into the treatment of MS and with this research disseminate the useful results amongst medical and scientific professionals so it can be used to further a cure for MS.

To provide assistance and advice to those afflicted by MS.

To co-operate with any other Charitable organisation having similar objectives to Aims2Cure.

Who Do We Help?

  • Barts and Queen Mary College- University of London

    Aims2Cure is funding a one-year extension study of the ADAMS Study. The ADAMS Study is a research project currently being undertaken at Barts & Queen Mary College, University of London. It is looking at how changes in the genetic code may affect the risk of Multiple Sclerosis in people from different ethnic and ancestral background. These people have often been under-represented in previous studies and this research may pave the way for prevention and targeted therapies. The main study is funded by several organisations including the MRC and the MS Society.

    The study has so far recruited over 800 people with MS and measured the genetic code of the first 675.  The research team are analyzing the first tranche of genetic data and hope to share their initial findings mid 2024. The extension funded by AIMS2CURE will support increasing diversity in the cohort and further recruitment, both of which will improve the impact of the results.

  • Oxford University

    A 2-year study by Professor Lars Fugger and his team at Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation at The University of Oxford based at John Radcliffe Hospital.

    This study is looking at how environmental triggers may affect certain genes and how this may alter the risk of MS and its clinical progression. The team will analyze blood immune cells taken from those with MS before and during treatment with a specific drug which is currently used in MS.  This will give information about how these immune cells change through the treatment course and how these changes correlate with the individual’s clinical response to the treatment.

    Studying the Effects of Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis – 2016-2018

    A 2-year study by Professor Lars Fugger and his team at Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation at The University of Oxford based at John Radcliffe Hospital. This study looked at the changes in the blood in pregnant women with MS and how this information could be utilized in developing new therapeutic options for those with MS. This was a pilot study and the same team undertook subsequent research based on this preliminary research.

  • UK Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centres

    In 2019, Aims2Cure set ourselves a challenge to mark our 20th anniversary year.  We decided to help 20 MS Therapy Centres in the United Kingdom by purchasing much needed pieces of equipment to help improve the lives of people living with Multiple Sclerosis.  Five years later, in 2024, we are delighted to have exceeded that goal and have helped 24 Therapy Centres around the country purchase equipment including a TREADMILL AND HARNESS, a SEATED CLIMBER, a PORTABLE HOIST, a TRANSIT WHEELCHAIR, an EXERCISE BIKE, a STANDING FRAME, an APS THERAPY MACHINE, a MODULAR CHAIR and an OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR.  We are still adding more centres to our list and are very proud of this achievement.  To date we have donated £98,000 to the MS Therapy Centres and we plan to continue this funding in the future and attempt to help as many Centres and therefore individuals as possible.

  • The Chilterns Neuro Centre

    Aims2Cure has a close association with The Chilterns Neuro Centre. Based in Halton, Buckinghamshire, the centre provides a range of drug-free symptomatic management therapies for anyone with MS no matter where they live, as well as give help and advice to their families and carers. In March 2016, Aims2Cure donated a huge £15,000 to help fund the cost of their much needed Physiotherapists. Physio can help tackle a wide range of problems for people with MS including increasing physical independence, mobility and fitness.  In 2023 Aims2Cure funded a Pilates Instructor for the Centre. Pilates has many benefits for those living with MS including aiding mobility issues.  Overall we have donated £109,828 to the Centre since our relationship began.

    www.chilternsneurocentre.org

  • The Michele Elster Fund

    In 2007, Aims2Cure established the Michele Elster Fund. Michele was a wonderful young woman who tragically died from MS in 2006. The fund was set up in her name to help other people living with MS with their everyday life by alleviating some of the obstacles life may present. In the past few years, we have purchased a scooter to help with mobility; enabled a garden to be decked so that an individual is no longer confined to the house; adapted a car to help a young mother with the school run; revamped a bathroom with essential equipment to ease the daily routine and helped 24 different national MS Centres purchase essential equipment. This type of help is crucial and makes such a difference to the lives of those living with Multiple Sclerosis. With the blessing of Michele’s family, Aims2Cure have been able to make this difference.