17th March 2016

BIA raises more than £30,000 for JDRF the type 1 diabetes charity

The UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) raised more than £30,000 for its charity of the year JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity, at its annual gala dinner at the Natural History Museum at the end of January.

Following a moving speech from Simon Vinnicombe, whose young son has type 1 diabetes, the 660 guests took part in a silent auction. Simon’s speech gave real insight into what it is like for a parent caring for a young child with type 1 diabetes and the challenges that it presents on a daily basis.

Winning bidders walked away with fantastic prizes including tickets to Adele’s upcoming tour and art works, and many guests donated cash and pledges on their tables throughout the night.

Karen Addington, Chief Executive of JDRF in the UK, said: “JDRF is truly grateful for the tremendous generosity shown by all who attended the annual gala dinner on what was a wonderful evening. All of these donations and the continued support of the BIA will help us in our vital work in supporting research into the cure for type 1 diabetes.”

BIA Chief Executive, Steve Bates, said: “It is fantastic to see that our members have really shown their support to such a worthy cause. Type 1 diabetes affects thousands of people in the UK and many of our members are actively involved in medical research to develop new treatments to support those living with type 1. A great example of the work going on in UK life sciences to address type 1 diabetes is from BIA member Midatech who are currently working on vaccine for the condition.”

The BIA will be supporting the charity to raise funds and working with the JDRF team to see how the two organisations can work together to promote the vital role that UK bioscience plays in solving unmet patient need. Work is already underway on the partnership with Clare McVicker, Director of Research Advocacy at JDRF in the UK, giving a presentation and taking part in a discussion with the BIA board to look at where there are synergies across the work of the two organisations across the coming year.