In a major philanthropic effort aimed at improving the care and treatment of cerebral palsy (CP) in Ireland, co-founders of Irish fintech unicorn Stripe, John and Patrick Collinson, have joined other backers to donate $12.5m to a new research project. Announced by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), the Programme of Excellence aims to “revolutionise” the delivery of care for those diagnosed with CP, with three major research hubs set to be developed at University College Cork, the University of Limerick and Trinity College Dublin.
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects the brain and the nervous system and can cause difficulties with coordination, movement and muscle control. It is estimated that 17 million people worldwide live with CP, with around 1,200 newly diagnosed cases every year in Ireland. The Programme of Excellence research project will help to identify new ways to manage and treat CP, explore its underlying causes, and advance efforts to improve the lives of those living with, and those impacted by, CP.
The lead researcher for the project, Dr Martin O’Donoghue, a paediatric neurologist at Cork University Hospital, described CP as a “complex condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life”. He added that the research project would seek to explore “new approaches, new technologies, and new ways of delivering care” to improve the quality of life for those living with CP. Researchers will use up-to-date technologies such as imaging and digital health tools to create new pathways of care and support for CP sufferers.
In a statement, the CPF described the project as a “lifetime investment” in improving the lives of Irish children. Co-founder of Stripe, Patrick Collinson, described the research project as “transformational”. In a blog post, he explained that, as a personal project, “it has been particularly rewarding to support this work, which has such clear applicability in an area we deeply care about”.
The decision by the Collinson brothers to support the CPF’s project follows their establishment of a new charitable foundation in July 2020, known as Stripe Climate. As part of the initiative, the fintech giants pledged to commit at least $1m per year to climate change research and development projects.
David Jones, CEO of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, said he was “incredibly grateful” to all of the donors who had committed support to the Programme of Excellence. He added: “We believe this research will not only enhance Ireland’s reputation as a leader in the field of medical research but will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the thousands of people who are affected by this condition”. Mr Jones said that the project was expected to provide “invaluable insights” into how other childhood conditions and other forms of neurological disorders can be treated and managed.
The Programme of Excellence marks an important step in the treatment of CP, a condition that can be life-changing for those diagnosed with it. By investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to care and treatment, the CPF and its backers, including Stripe’s Collinson brothers, can help to transform the lives of those living with the condition, and contribute to future breakthroughs in neurological research.
