Home - The Charlie Gard Foundation | Because Mito Matters

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Who are we?

The Charlie Gard Foundation is one of the leading UK charities supporting children, adults and their families that have been affected by mitochondrial disease. We invest in pioneering research into viable treatments for mitochondrial diseases, and support families with both memory making gifts and services that support a better quality of life.

What do we do?

Mitochondrial diseases are life limiting, but we are here to make each precious moment count, and provide support and information for every step of your mito journey. Whether you require medical equipment, a respite holiday, a treatment grant or a family photoshoot, we aim to offer a full range of services that will ensure memories are made and those affected by mito live the most fulfilling life possible.

How can you help?

Whether you would like to run for our charity, hold a cake sale, help at an event or tackle a unique once in a life time challenge, there are many ways in which you can raise both awareness and funds for our charity. We have opportunities for people to take on physical events, or you can collect your change at home in one of our money boxes – no amount of support is too little.

Who are we?

What do we do?

How can you help?

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.

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Did you know?

“1 in 2,000 people will face a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease.”

Did you know?

“The first diagnosis of mitochondrial disease was in 1962, but research only began to take place within the last 20 years.”

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.”

Play our Lottery

Be in with a chance of winning £25,000!

Thanks to people like you playing our lottery, we are able to invest more funds into pioneering research, and aim to achieve our goal of one day finding that all elusive cure. Your contributions also go towards our family support, helping to provide a brighter mito future for our families because mito matters.

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Together we

Find out how you can donate to the Charlie Gard Foundation and support our work.

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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:

Prevent cases reaching court

Provide advice and support for families

Protect parental rights

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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!

Monkey Map

Would you like a Monkey of your own? Visit our shop today!

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Upcoming Events

Charlie’s Cheeky Relay Run

4th August – 31st August 2020

Happy Birthday, Charlie! August 4th 2020 marks what would have been Charlie's fourth birthday. Each year we have celebrated Charlie's birthday with a...