The first award in memory of Finlay Herrington will fund Professor Rajko Reljic to pursue his research project entitled:

Inhalable vaccine for prevention of glandular fever

Brief Project Summary

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection causes glandular fever and is especially common in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms can last weeks to months, especially fatigue and lack of energy. In more serious cases, patients can have excessive inflammation, develop difficulty breathing and in most extreme cases even die from complications.

 A vaccine that could boost anti EBV immunity and prevent infection is highly desirable. The family of Finlay Herrington is supporting researchers at the City St George’s University of London to develop a vaccination against EBV.

To see more details click ‘read more’

The second award in memory of Finlay Herrington will fund Dr Francesca Sposito to pursue her research project entitled:

The Role Of IFIH1 loss-of-function variants in Juvenile-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Associated ImmuNodeficiency – TROJAN

Brief Project Summary

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare autoimmune/inflammatory disease in which an overactive immune system causes inflammation and damage to organs. Children with SLE experience higher disease activity than adults, have greater organ damage and an even higher risk of death.

Though the precise cause of SLE is unknown, it is possible that mutations in certain genes result in patients developing the disease. These mutations might also increase patients’ susceptibility to viral infections.

The family of Finlay Herrington is supporting researchers at the University of Liverpool to study genes that help the body detect viruses. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is common in children before developing SLE, the research team will study how EBV virus may trigger autoimmune/inflammatory diseases hoping this may ultimately help develop new treatments for SLE and other diseases with increased risk of virus infections.

To see more details click ‘read more’

Applications are invited for a grant of up to £20K to support research on the theme of ‘infection and inflammation’. Priority will be given to research related to Epstein Barr virus.

Finlay Herrington was an inspirational young man who tragically died at just 18 years old from a ruptured spleen after contracting glandular fever.

A tribute to Finlay may be found under the ‘Our Supporters’ tab above.

Finlay’s family and friends have raised funds in his memory to support research into the body’s reaction to Epstein Barr virus and other viruses, to help understand the inflammatory response and to help avoid other deaths like Finlay’s.

Applications should be submitted electronically to faircharityuk@gmail.com using the FAIR application form by 30 September 2024.

Copies of the application form in word format may be requested by email to faircharityuk@gmail.com.

Click ‘read more’ for details.

FAIR is delighted to announce The Ann Wyn Sherman Research Award.

Having experienced the harmful effects of autoimmune disease and witnessed its impact on others close to her, Ann has been a loyal supporter of FAIR since its inception.  We are honoured that Ann has chosen to make this significant contribution to help to progress research into the causes and treatment of autoimmune conditions. Her generous personal donation comprises the greater part of this research grant.

Researchers are invited to apply for a grant of up to £50k to support research in autoimmune disease. The award remit is to include research relevant to both adult and paediatric patients with the objective to preserve and protect the health of sufferers of autoimmune conditions. The emphasis is on clinical research or research at the interface between clinical and basic science.

The deadline for applications to be received is 31 March 2023.

Click read more to access the application form.

Researchers are invited to apply for a grant of up to £20k to support research in autoimmune disease. The award remit is to include research relevant to both adult and paediatric patients with the objective to preserve and protect the health of sufferers of autoimmune conditions. The emphasis is on clinical research or research at the interface between clinical and basic science.

The deadline for applications to be received is 31 March 2023.

Click read more to access the application form.

Medical student Chloe is assisting with the nephrology research funded by FAIR.

Nephrology project led by Dr Louise Oni, Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Nephrology and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, University of Liverpool / Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Study of Immunogenetic factors in juvenile-onset connective tissue disease (jCTD): future guides for individualised treatments, a joint project by led by Dr Clare Pain, Consultant Paediatric Rheumatologist (Alder Hey Children’s Hospital) and Professor Christian Hedrich (Liverpool University).

Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks itself. SLE can develop at any age. Over a lifetime, more women than men develop the disease.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that can have devastating effects on many organs, in particular the lungs and digestive system. Inflammation (that is part of the body’s immune response) is thought to play a key role in the organ damage that occurs in CF, however the exact mechanisms triggering inflammation remains unclear.