Who are we?
What is Mitochondrial Disease?
Mitochondrial disease, or ‘mito’ for short, refers to a group of disorders where dysfunctional mitochondria are present, resulting in a variety of developmental, muscular and brain abnormalities. Mitochondrial disease is a genetic, chronic condition that is sadly progressive and can affect anyone at any time in their life. Symptoms of the disease vary hugely between individuals, but the most common symptoms are fatigue, neurological problems, visual and/or hearing impairment, heart, liver or kidney dysfunction, muscle weakness and poor growth, to name but a few. There are very few treatments for mitochondrial diseases and there is currently no cure.
Did you know?
Every day a child in the UK will be born and go on to be diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder.
Did you know?
1 in 2,000 people will face a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease.
Did you know?
1 in 10 people have a rare disease.
Did you know?
Mitochondrial disease can cause symptoms in any organ at any age.
Did you know?
Many diseases stem from mitochondria dysfunction, including Alzheimers, Parkinson’s, diabetes and autism.
Did you know?
1 in 3 of all children with a rare disease never live to celebrate their fifth birthday.
Did you know?
3.5 million people in the UK will be affected by a rare disease in their lifetime – 50% of them will be children.
Challenge 21
What will you do?
We have 21 amazing challenges that YOU can get involved with. Whether you like baking, running, crafting, gaming, horse riding, reading or dog walking – we have something for everyone!
Take on the challenge and raise funds for children and adults affected by mitochondrial disease and help us create a brighter mito future because mito matters.
Charlie's Law
Charlie’s tragic death on 28th July 2017 exposed the limitations of current processes available to parents, doctors and the NHS in efforts to ensure the best outcomes for seriously ill children. Charlie’s fight highlighted an urgent need for changes in the law, policy and legal and health practice to support families, as well as medical and legal professionals involved in what are deeply emotive, difficult and life-changing circumstances.
Charlie’s parents, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, have been working with NHS medical professionals, world-leading ethicists and legal experts to develop draft legislation that will prevent further long and painful conflicts between hospitals and families with sick children.
The bill provides three key changes to improve existing legislation. Charlie’s Law will:
Monkey Adventures!
Raise awareness and show everyone where your Monkey has been on their adventures with our Monkey Map. We’d love to know where in the world are our mito monkeys!
Would you like a Monkey of your own? Visit our shop today!
Upcoming Events
Murder Mystery Dinner
Friday 10th December
The Charlie Gard Foundation and Tall Tales Mysteries presents How to Bump off your Boss – At the Christmas Party! This brand new...
Charlie Gard Foundation Charity Firewalk
Saturday 27th November
Looking for a hot challenge this year? Then why not take on our fantastic Firewalk on Saturday 27th November and raise vital funds...
The Fabulous Festive Fifties
Sunday 5th December 2021
The History Wardrobe presents the FABULOUS festive FIFTIES! A twist on History Wardrobe’s popular 1950's show, as two cheery charladies plan a Christmas...
Charity Firewalk for Florence
Friday 26th November
Looking for a hot challenge this year? Then why not take on our fantastic Firewalk on Friday 26th November and raise vital funds...
Maxwell’s Charity Firewalk
Saturday 6th November
Looking for a hot challenge this year? Then why not take on our fantastic Firewalk this bonfire weekend on Saturday 6th November and...
Steph and Jake’s Charity Firewalk
Saturday 13th November
Looking for a hot challenge this year? Then why not take on our fantastic Firewalk on Saturday 13th November and raise vital funds...
Daniel’s Firewalk in Darfield
Sunday 31st October
Looking for a hot challenge this year? Then why not take on our fantastic Firewalk this Halloween on Sunday 31st October and raise...
Nathaniel’s Firewalk in Liverpool
Saturday 23rd October
Looking for a hot challenge this year? Then why not take on our fantastic Firewalk on Saturday 23rd October and raise vital funds...
Our Latest News
Parents of gravely ill children could win legal right to seek treatment abroad under ‘Charlie’s Law’
MPs and Lords want parents to have more say in life-or-death decisions taken by doctors treating their children. Daily Telegraph By Gordon Rayner, ASSOCIATE EDITOR 7...
Charlie’s Law New Year Update
The Charlie Gard Foundation sets up for success in 2022! It has been a tumultuous year with the spotlight firmly on the pandemic....
Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week: September 19th – 25th
September 19th - 25th marks the World Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week where the global mitochondrial disease community come together to raise awareness of...
Monkey’s Great North Run World Record Attempt
This year our very own mascot, Monkey, will be taking on one of our biggest challenges to date: he'll be attempting take on...
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