J.K. Rowling Donates $18.8M To Research Clinic Named After Her Mother

J.K. Rowling has donated a further $18.8 million (£15.3 million) to the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh.

The clinic, named in memory of her mother, was founded in 2010 by the Harry Potter author. In a 2014 episode of BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour J.K. Rowling opened up about the impact her mother’s death at aged 45 due to multiple sclerosis (MS) had on her.

The recent donation, which includes Gift Aid, demonstrates the author’s continued passion for investing in the research of neurological conditions. The Edinburgh clinic combines patient care and MS and neurological research into conditions such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease (MND), Parkinson’s and dementias.

Professor Siddharthan Chandran, Director at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, says the Clinic hopes to offer patients opportunities to participate in new clinical studies and trials, and “the potential of personalised medicine for people with MS in Scotland and further afield.”

Rowling said:

“When the Anne Rowling Clinic was first founded, none of us could have predicted the incredible progress that would be made in the field of regenerative neurology, with the clinic leading the charge.

"It's a matter of great pride for me that the clinic has combined these lofty ambitions with practical, on the ground support and care for people with MS, regardless of stage and type; I've heard at first-hand what a difference this support can make.

"I am confident that the combination of clinical research and practical support delivered by Professor Siddharthan Chandran and his exemplary team will create a definitive step-change for people with MS and associated conditions.”

The Clinic hopes donations will help those with MS and their families, and set a global precedent for MS research. The donation will also support projects focused on “invisible disabilities experienced by people living with MS”, such as cognitive impairment and pain.

At #13 on The Forbes World’s Highest Paid Celebrities list (up almost 30 places from last year), with predicted earnings of $92 million as of July 2019, Rowling remains the highest-paid author of 2019. Rowling also founded Lumos in 2005, an NGO working to end the institutionalization of children worldwide.