£250k Legacy: to support diabetes research

Thanks to the vision and foresight of our late friend and supporter, Ray Wilson, we hope the cure for diabetes is one step closer.

The late Mr Wilson lived with Type 1 diabetes for more than 50 years and knew only too well how devasting this condition can be. As a result of this, he gave a life changing legacy to be remembered by.

Driven by his desperation to help younger generations living with diabetes he donated a tremendous gift of £250k in his Will to advance future research into diabetes. His gift and foresight has led to the opening of the Newcastle Isolation and Innovation Hub, a laboratory focused on developing islet cell transplantation and testing new drugs that will hopefully one day lead to a Type 1 diabetes cure.

In partnership with Newcastle Hospitals’, Newcastle University's largest study to date INGR1D2 aims to identify infants at risk of developing type 1 diabetes and explore new treatments with the goal of preventing this condition. This is led by Professor Stephen Robson, Honorary Consultant Obstetrician at Newcastle Hospitals and Professor of Fetal Medicine at Newcastle University.

Responding to the opening of the hub in 2017, Mr Wilson said:

“I feel very proud that this new facility has opened in Newcastle to help advance research and treatment for patients with Type 1 diabetes – it is a major step forward.”

In addition, Mr Wilson’s legacy has also supported people within the Newcastle University Research team, led by Professor James Shaw. Mr Wilson met many of them personally and supported their drive to remain in diabetes research even when funding was challenging. This generous support has allowed the team to continue their life transforming research into diabetes treatments which aim to make a difference to the lives of thousands of people.

The research team is committed to using the donation to support world-leading research and trials here in the North East of England.

Professor James Shaw of Regenerative Medicine for Diabetes and Honorary Consultant Physician, said:

“We hope that the research we are doing will one day mean that eventually insulin won’t be required for any type of diabetes”

Leaving a gift for future generations

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our alumni who have the vision and commitment to remember Newcastle University’s educational research projects in their will. Your generosity will support and inspire future generations of Newcastle graduates.

By remembering NU in your Will, you can make a positive change to future generations and support the cases you are passionate about for years to come.

Find out more about donating a gift in your will