SPARKS is a charity committed to preventing
and alleviating suffering in children through a wide programme of medical research.
SPARKS’ research projects study conditions occurring from pregnancy through the early
years of life and focus on bringing research to clinical application.
Medical research saves lives and improves quality of life for everyone.
If you have ever been vaccinated or treated for an injury or disease, you will have
benefited from medical research.
Medical research improves knowledge, not only of the specific condition
being researched, but also related and unrelated conditions. All knowledge gained through
research is shared internationally.
"Without organisations such as SPARKS we would
not be able to continue our work into ways of saving babies at risk," said
Professor
Mark Hanson, University College Hospital, London.
Since August 1991 SPARKS has pledged over £7 million to fund some
100 medical research projects studying a wide range of medical conditions from brain damage to
childhood cancer and pre-eclampsia to cleft lip and palate. Given time and funding,
medical research can help to prevent tragedies occurring. Even when it is too late to
prevent disability, medical research can help children reach their full potential.
Our projects are throughout England and into Scotland and Wales
so there should be one at a hospital or university near you.
With the help of Britain’s favourite sports and
showbusiness
personalities, grateful for their own good health, SPARKS raises funds through a wide
programme of fun social and sports-themed activities and promotions including golf, karting, clay
pigeon shooting, football, rugby, polo and the star-studded SPARKS
Balls.
The spirit of SPARKS combines the dedication and expertise of our
researchers, with the passion and enthusiasm of our supporters, united in their goal to
bring hope to children everywhere.
With your help SPARKS can give children the greatest gift of all
– the chance of a healthy start in life.
"As a founder member of SPARKS, I am only too
happy to give my time and sporting energies to help more youngsters in the future to live
full, happy and active lives." Jimmy Hill OBE, Vice-President
and Founding Member
"As a sportsman with three healthy children, I really appreciate
the privilege of good health and that’s why I support SPARKS. It’s great to be able to
give something back in the hope that all children will be born free from disability."
Steven Redgrave CBE, Vice-President
