Grants being awarded in 2008

Supporting Jeans for Genes makes your donation go a very long way.  Our grants programme means that we don't just change the lives of children with a handful of genetic disorders, we have a positive impact on families living with a huge variety of conditions.

We award up to £25,000 to charities in the genetic community which provide care to children and their families, and fund research into the causes and eventual cures of their conditions.

This year, 18 charities will benefit from the money raised by Jeans for Genes Day 2008.  Please click on the links below to find out more.

Family weekend, ALD Life

"These people are living with one of the most horrific and devastating genetic disorders and we just want to give them something to look forward to."

Read more about ALD Life and their family weekends »

Funding for families at attend the annual conference, Ataxia UK

"I feel more positive about living with Ataxia."  Ataxias are life-limiting neurological disorders which progress until people are completely dependent on their families.

Find out how families living with these conditions will benefit from Jeans for Genes Day 2008 »

Equipment for disabled children, BDF Newlife

Marcus is 13 and has a rare genetic disorder which affects his bones.  Getting around independently is very difficult for him but a new trike has changed his life and he can now join in activities with his friends.

Read how funding from Jeans for Genes will transform other children's lives »

Psychological support service, The Chronic Granulomatous Disorder Research Trust

Chronic granulomatous disorder is a rare and life-threatening genetic condition which leaves children unable to fight bacterial and fungal infections.  Jeans for Genes is helping the CGD Research Trust to offer a helpline for people to discuss the emotional impact of having the condition.  Read more »

Research into a devastating skin condition, DebRA

Hollie is four and is just learning that too much playing can cause more of the painful blisters that have to be lanced and bandaged at least three times a week.  She has epidermolysis bullosa, a skin condition which, in its severest form, can be fatal.

Jeans for Genes is helping to fund research by DebRA into better care for children like Hollie.  Read more »

Christmas party, the Ectodermal Dysplasia Society

Ectodermal dysplasias (ED) are rare genetic disorders which affect the development of a child's teeth, hair, nails and many other parts of their bodies.  The Christmas party gives them a chance to completely relax and have fun with children just like them.  Read more »

Research into a variety of genetic disorders, Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity receives funding annually from Jeans for Genes.  It's used to support research into the causes and cures of a number of genetic disorders.

Find out about the latest research we're supporting »

Teenagers weekend, Headlines Craniofacial Support

Headlines supports children whose skulls fused too early, leaving their brains with little or no room to grow.  These conditions can cause severe medical problems, the children need repeated surgery and their appearance is very different.

Read about the difference a weekend can make to teenagers' lives »

Regional care advisory service, the Huntington's Disease Association

Paula is just 24 years old but she's been living with the symptoms of Juvenile Huntington's Disease since she was a teenager.  She can't talk, she has to use a wheelchair and she's now having trouble swallowing.   

Read more about Paula and the care we're helping to fund in Merseyside and Cheshire »

Activity weekend, the Klinefelter's Syndrome Association

Klinefelter's is a genetic disorder which affects boys' physical and social development.  The most common symptom is infertility but some men can have female physical characteristics. 

Read why a specialist activity weekend is so important »

Residential family weekend, the Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl Society

Visual impairment, obesity, developmental delay, kidney abnormalities and numerous other health problems affect children who have LMBBS.  The weekend gives families the chance to share experiences and get the latest information from experts while their children are entertained.
Read more »

Training in the MOVE physiotherapy programme, MOVE

“Here was April, who everyone had said would never be able to do anything for herself, and she was WALKING towards me. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.”

April’s mum, Liz, knows the value of the MOVE programme.  It helps children to achieve their goals, from using the toilet unaided to dancing with friends at the end of term disco.

Find out how the programme can expand thanks to Jeans for Genes »

Regional clinics and research programmes, the Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases

Children with mucopolysaccharide diseases gradually lose the ability to move, and in many cases, their mental function deteriorates too.  Research is ongoing to find treatments for some of the 21 different MPS conditions.  In the meantime, families are supported by regional clinics.

Find out more about Jeans for Genes' ongoing support »

Healthcare events programme, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

Muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases affect more than 60,000 people in the UK.  Jeans for Genes will be helping the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to hold series of family days which will provide vital support and advice for those affected.

Find out why these events are so important »

Patient registry, the Myotubular Trust

Joshua's legs are too weak to walk.  He has to use a ventilator 24 hours a day to help him breathe.  He's fed through a tube in his stomach because his muscles are too weak to swallow.  Joshua has myotubular myopathy, a rare muscle disease.

Read why the registry is so important to doctors researching Joshua's condition »

Canal boat trips and research programmes, the Primary Immunodeficiency Association

"I've had an incredible time.  I hope I can get a place on the boat again next year!"  Children with primary immunodeficiences are very vulnerable to infections.  Going on holiday is something that they can rarely do so PiA's weeks away are invaluable.

Find out  more about Jeans for Genes' support of PiA's work »

Regional outreach programme, the Restricted Growth Association

"You can't underestimate the value of having a day where your child is the same as everyone else."  Restricted growth is a symptom in more than 200 different medical conditions.

Find out how Jeans for Genes is helping to provide invaluable local support for families »

Educational materials for teachers, the UK Thalassaemia Society

Krista is 7 and has to have two days off school every month because of her thalassaemia.  The blood disorder means her body doesn't produce enough red blood cells and she has to have fortnightly transfusions in hospital.

Find out how Jeans for Genes will help to raise awareness about the condition »