Author of the renowned series of Harry Potter books, J. K Rowling has donated $20 million to support and advance research into neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
This laudatory deed was done by her in honour and memory of her mother Anne Rowling, who passed away at the ripe age of 45 due to multiple sclerosis.
This donation will be used to create new facilities and support further research at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh. The centre is named after Rowling’s mother and was initiated when Rowling had made a similar contribution earlier in 2010.
The centre studies neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia, and intends to support patients that suffer from these conditions.
“When the Anne Rowling Clinic was first founded, none of us could have predicted the incredible progress that would be made in the field of Regenerative Neurology, with the Clinic leading the charge,” Rowling said.
“I am delighted to now support the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic into a new phase of discovery and achievement, as it realizes its ambition to create a legacy of better outcomes for generations of people with MS and non-MS neurodegenerative diseases.”
Professor Siddharthan Chandran, director of the clinic, said, “The Anne Rowling Clinic’s vision is to offer everyone with MS or other neurodegenerative diseases, such as MND, the opportunity to participate in a suite of clinical studies and trials.
“This incredibly far-sighted and generous donation will unlock the potential of personalised medicine for people with MS in Scotland and further afield.”
One of the most popular novelists ever, Rowling is also one of the best-selling authors of all time. Her Harry Potter books have sold more than 500 million books across the world and have been translated into over 80 languages. The fact that these books are loved by people of all ages is a testimony to Rowling’s brilliant writing skills.
But apart from being a very skilled writer, Rowling is also a generous philanthropist, who has given away millions of dollars to charity.
