nsif funded research enters exciting new phase

The nsif funded research project led by Dr. Pawel Tabakow, of Wroclaw Medical University in Poland, is prepared to accept two further patients.

Dr. Tabakow’s team have launched a dedicated website to allow patients worldwide to view the medical criteria for entry into this groundbreaking research programme.

This research was first revealed to the world in October 2014 in a BBC One Panorama world exclusive.

The Panorama programme showed how Darek Fidyka, who had been paralysed from the chest down and had complete spinal cord transection, had made remarkable progress after receiving pioneering surgery from Dr. Tabakow. Click here to view 2014 press release.

We are delighted that since 2014 progress has continued and Darek is registering bladder control and sexual function. He is also independently riding a tricycle.

Now, Dr. Tabakow and his team are looking to embark on the next stage of the research with two further patients.

David Nicholls, founder of nsif, comments:

“ We are very excited to see the next stage and we are optimistic that success with the next two patients will result in an announcement that paralysis is curable. We’re also delighted with the progress of Darek. The most exciting development apart from his mobility is that functions such as his bladder control are improving. I know how important that progress is to people living with spinal cord injury.”

“As the sole funders of this research we really need the help and support of the public. Funds and support for nsif moving forward are essential if we are to meet our objectives.”

Key Facts about nsif:\r\n

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• nsif is a charity devoted solely to research into treatment for spinal cord injury.

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• It was set up by David Nicholls, worldwide director of food and beverage at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, in 2005.

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• David founded nsif after his son Daniel was paralysed from the neck down after diving into a wave on Bondi Beach while on his gap year in December 2003, aged just 18.

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• Dr. Pawel Tabakow is a leading surgeon at the Neurosurgery Department of Wrocław Medical University.

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• His clinical research is based on decades of research by Professor Geoffrey Raisman, Professor Ying Li and their team at the UCL Institute of Neurology. This research is co-funded by nsif and the UK Stem Cell Foundation.

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• Dr. Tabakow’s collaboration with Professor Raisman is also funded by nsif.

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• Despite the significant medical breakthrough featured on the BBC One’s Panorama programme in 2014, much research still needs to be conducted in this area. nsif needs to raise considerable further money to continue to fund this research for the next three years.

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• More information on the website www.nsif.org.uk. 

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• To donate visit www.nsif.org.uk or TEXT ‘NSIF16 £5’ to 70070 and make a difference today.

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Notes to editors\r\n

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• The research has been peer-reviewed and was published in the journal Cell Transplantation on 21 October 2014

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• Please get in touch with our media contact: info@nsif.org.uk or call 0208 453 2960

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