Harry Potter author J K Rowling has made a substantial donation for research into the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS research) at a centre named after her late mother. The 15.3 million-pound (USD 18.8 million) donation that was announced on Thursday will be used for new facilities and will support vital research at a research center based at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. JK Rowling's mother suffered from the disease and died at the age of 45.

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Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic

The huge gift by the Harry Potter author follows the £10M donation to the University of Edinburgh that found a clinic in her mother’s name, focusing on MS research. This was about the time that JK Rowling reached the age at which her mother died. The clinic, called, the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic was officially opened in 2013.

After founding the clinic, the Harry Potter author had stated, "I cannot think of anything more important, or of more lasting value, than to help the university attract world-class minds in the field of neuroregeneration, to build on its long and illustrious history of medical research and, ultimately, to seek a cure for a very Scottish disease."

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JK Rowling said she is encouraged by advances being made in the MS research and proud that the clinic is not only doing important research but has also provided "practical, on the ground support and care for people with MS."  The donation will also support research projects focussing on invisible disabilities experienced by people living with Multiple Sclerosis, such as cognitive impairment and pain.

Happy with the progress on the MS research, the Harry Potter stated, "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. I am delighted to now support the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic into a new phase of discovery and achievement, as it realises its ambition to create a legacy of better outcomes for generations of people with MS and non-MS neurodegenerative diseases. It’s a matter of great pride for me that the Clinic has combined these lofty ambitions with practical, on the ground support and care for people with MS, regardless of stage and type; I’ve heard at first-hand what a difference this support can make. I am confident that the combination of clinical research and practical support delivered by Professor Siddharthan Chandran and his exemplary team will create a definitive step-change for people with MS and associated conditions.”

University of Edinburgh Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Mathieson said, “We are immensely honoured that JK Rowling has chosen to continue her support for the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic. This inspiring donation will fund a whole new generation of researchers who are focussed on discovering and delivering better treatments and therapies for patients.”

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