Charity-funded research is at risk during the Covid-19 pandemic – call on PM Boris Johnson to protect it

The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), of which DRWF is a member, is calling on people to write to the Prime Minister to protect vital charity-funded research.

The organisation has prepared a letter to send to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for the government to provide urgent financial support.

It is expected charities face a £310 million shortfall in funding as a result of Covid-19.

AMRC predicts this could lead to the loss of a generation of researchers and set back life-saving progress by decades.

A statement from AMRC said: “At a time where medical research is most needed, charities are facing unprecedented falls in income due to COVID-19. Funding from government is urgently needed to support charities to continue life-saving research and improve lives.

“Covid-19 has had an immediate and devastating impact on medical research charities, resulting in an estimated 41% decrease in their research spend over the next year. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Research stopped or paused today won’t be able to jump start when the crisis is over.

“Charities have been left with no option but to make drastic cuts to their research funding as their income drops. Funding which could have saved or improved lives.

“That’s why we’re urgently calling for government to commit funding to help protect the future of charity research through the pandemic and as we recover.”

What can you do to help?

AMRC is asking people to sign their letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson today to urge the government to provide vital funding now to protect medical research and patients. 

AMRC added: “Time is of the essence. By investing in charity-funded research, Government can help medical research charities deliver a better future for countless people across the UK.”

Click here to Write to Boris Johnson to save charity-funded medical research (e-activist.com)

Read AMRC responds to COVID-19 impact on charities and issues key guidance

Call to action - How you can support DRWF during this time

Sarah Tutton, Chief Executive of DRWF, said: “Research is the only way to find new treatments and a cure for diabetes. We have multi-year grant awards in place right now which we must do our utmost to honour and we must be able to react to ongoing applications that we receive for research work that could truly make a difference to the lives of people with diabetes. 

“We exist on voluntary donations and fundraised income and like most charities, Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our ability to raise the funds we need. We expect the months ahead will be just as challenging, and sadly this may have an impact on our ability to fund the volume and value of research work that could fuel the next big breakthrough.

“Charities need us, as we need them, more than ever before. Our supporters enable us to keep our research funding on track meaning that the diabetes research community has funds available to find the cure that could transform the lives of millions. We can’t thank our supporters enough for their continued support during these challenging times.”

Read Lockdown guidance for staying home and safe for people living with diabetes during Covid-19 pandemic

Read How people with diabetes could become more ill if diagnosed with Covid-19

DRWF operations during the Covid-19 health crisis

The DRWF team is working remotely. Covid-19 guidance, particularly where it aligns or impacts with diabetes guidance, is shared as quickly as possible through the DRWF website and social media channels with the aim of making it as easy to understand as possible and a reliable source of latest news.

Further reports to follow – visit DRWF news page

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