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Dementia Research Centre

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The Myrtle Ellis Fund of the National Brain Appeal

Charity number 290173 

The National Brain Appeal is the charity dedicated to raising funds for The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery which, together with the Institute of Neurology, is a worldwide leader in the research and treatment of brain disorders. These include brain and spinal cancer, dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke and head injuries.

The National Brain Appeal raises substantial funds for crucial projects at the Hospital, enabling it to retain its position as the leading centre for neurology and neurosurgery.

At the beginning of 2005, Myrtle Ellis was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a rare variant of Alzheimer's Disease. Because so little is known about this neurodegenerative disorder, she was referred to the Dementia Research Centre where she took part in a drug trial and is being closely monitored so others might be helped in the future.

Her daughters set up the Myrtle Ellis Fund under the auspices of The National Brain Appeal to support the work of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery's Dementia Research Centre. So far they have raised over £22,000 from a sponsored fun-run, a "School Days Party", an Historic Houses tour that Myrtle herself hosted, as well as regular donations from supporters.

The Fund is used for a variety of projects that the NHS and other grant making Trusts either cannot or will not pay for, including the thrice-yearly PCA Support Group meeting and the design of this PCA website.

For more information about the work of the Fund, please contact the Foundation on 020 3448 4724.

To make a donation to the Myrtle Ellis Fund, please print, complete and return  this form (will open in a new window; you need a PDF reader to view the form, you can download Adobe Reader here for free) with your donation, or donate online.

You can now alternatively donate by text: simply text TMEF50 and an amount of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.

Upcoming & Ongoing Events

Alps expedition

This summer Toby Lancaster climbed 2 peaks in the Alps in the Ecrins region in just 3 days for the National Brain Appeal - specifically the Myrtle Ellis Fund. His neighbour was diagnosed in their early 50s with Posterior Cortical Atrophy and Toby wanted to raise awareness that dementia does not only affect the elderly.

To donate, please visit Toby's JustGiving page.

Bruce Karsten

Following his mother's diagnosis of PCA in South Africa, Bruce undertook an immense summer of cycling - he cycled 477 km over three challenges:

  1. 128 km tour of Cambridgeshire Gran Fondo Race - 7th June 2015
  2. 161 km Prudential Ride London - Team Challenge - 2nd August 2015
  3. 188 km L'Etape London by Tour de France - 27th September 2015

He is fundraising for the National Brain Appeal, to help support the work of the Myrtle Ellis Fund.

To donate, please visit Bruce's JustGiving page.

Previous Fundraising Events

We apologise that we can’t list all past fundraising activities, but grateful thanks to all our fundraisers, some of whom are listed below:

In 2015:

Valerie Blumenthal, who has PCA herself, organised a 2 hour sing-a-long to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.

Lisa, Daniel and Simon Frankel-Pollen undertook an immense sponsored cycling challenge, cycling in Mallorca.

Toby Lancaster climbed 2 peaks in the alps, Ecrins region, in just 3 days for the Myrtle Ellis Fund. 

Bruce Karsten cycled 477km, during the summer 2015, in aid of the Myrtle Ellis Fund.

Di and Susie held the 2nd annual Simultaneous Global Virtual Quiz in aid of the Myrtle Ellis Fund.

Paul Bulmer ran the Four Villages Half Marathon on Sunday 18th January for Alzheimer's Research UK.

In 2014: 

Jo Cornwell, daughter of Kathleen Bray who was diagnosed with PCA in her early 60s, held a fundraising event (A PartyFunTastic Charity Day!) to raise money to help with the support and research for PCA. They raised over £1000 for the PCA fund!

Alan McCammon's ‘66 miles for Mags’ involved cycling from the Dock Tavern, Gorleston-on-Sea to the Seamarge Hotel in Overstrand, North Norfolk and back on Saturday 28th June. They raised over £2,000!

Jackie Downes ran the London Marathon raising money for the Alzheimer's Society in April 2014.

Paul Bulmer ran the Whitely 10k in April 2014 raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK.

In 2013:

Grace Bulmer ran the Leeds Half Marathon, raising money for The National Brain Appeal

In 2012: 

Conn Barett with director Charlie Loventhal and writer Nellie Sciutto presented an afternoon of original one act plays for a group of friends in Hollywood to raise awareness for the PCA support ground and the work it has done.

Susan Kabagambe ran the Kingston 13k Run Challenge in Richmond Park to raise funds for the PCA Support Group through The National Brain Appeal

Rob Hughes (with Ellery McGowan, Chris Pitman, Irene Keel and Duncan McCreadie) swam the Channel as a Relay Team, raising money for The National Brain Appeal

In 2011: 

Celia Heath and her daughter Jane climbed Kinder Point in August to raise money for thee PCA Support Group.

Ruth Rimmington ran The Robin Hood Half Marathon in September.

Susie Shaw raised money on her way to establishing the Myrtle Ellis Fund.

Dennis Hotten completed a charity ride from London - Paris, raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society and the PCA Support Group.

In 2010:

Seb Crutch and a friend cycled from London - Chamonix (670 miles) and then climbed Mont Blanc (4810m) to raise funds for the PCA Support Group and the development of similar support groups for individuals affected by other rare or unusual degenerative conditions.