Why are you writing to people about miscarriage?
We feel passionately about the importance of both raising money for this vital research and about breaking the silence about the taboo of miscarriage. One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage – but despite it affecting so many couples, not enough is known about why it happens, and how to stop it from happening again.
We are carrying out ground breaking work that can make a real difference – we want to offer treatments and support to couples going through multiple miscarriages.
Our alumni and friends form a community of people with a close connection to the University, who can make a real difference to our work. Funds raised from appeals like this one allow us to work quickly and responsively to breakthroughs. Alumni funding allows us to recruit the best people and to provide them with the best equipment and resources, enabling their work to go further, faster.
Why are you writing about such an emotive subject?
Traditionally miscarriage has been a much repressed subject that both academic studies and popular culture have been reluctant to address. Many of the couples we see have often felt isolated and alone throughout their experience. For them, breaking down the silence around miscarriage is one of the most important and helpful things we can do.
The University of Birmingham is at the forefront of miscarriage research – we have world leading researchers in the DNA, immunology, andrology (sperm) and genetic factors associated with understanding miscarriage. We are in a fantastic position to make a very real difference to policy and practice surrounding miscarriage nationally and internationally. Fundraising from our alumni and friends will enable us to do this.
Why is this coming from the University and not Tommy’s?
We are working in partnership with Tommy’s, who generously funded the National Centre for Miscarriage Research, bringing together expertise from University of Birmingham, University of Warwick and Imperial College London. Each institution has five key challenges related to miscarriage to research.
We have a group of engaged and committed loyal supporters who are proud to be involved with the research that is happening at the University of Birmingham, and who we know would want to hear about this exciting work.
Will any of my money go to Tommy’s? How about the other Universities?
100% of all donations from this appeal will fund research carried out at University of Birmingham. The research is part of the Tommy’s National Centre, so users across the UK will benefit from our findings. The funds raised will hopefully lead to outcomes such as new treatments and tests that benefit couples across the UK and around the world.
Can I be part of a trial?
There are a number of trials taking place at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, University Hospital Coventry and Imperial College London. For details visit: https://www.tommys.org/our-organisation/what-we-do/our-research/i-would-take-part-tommys-trial