Glamorgan Cricket has chosen The Lily Foundation as its Official Charity Partner for the Vitality Blast match against Somerset on Friday evening (24 June).
The Lily Foundation supports people affected by mitochondrial disease (or ‘mito’), a degenerative and potentially fatal genetic disorder that affects thousands of people in the UK and millions worldwide.
Friday's match will be held in memory of Jessica Newell, who sadly lost her battle with mitochondrial disease in January this year. Jessica's father Keith is a former Glamorgan player, and we know everyone at the ground will be eager to show their support for his family and honour Jessica's memory.
Mitochondrial disease, also known as mito, is caused by genetic mutations in the mitochondria that power every cell in our bodies. When mitochondria don’t work properly, the cell dies, leading to organ failure. Mito can affect any organ in any person at any age. Currently there is no cure or treatment. The impact on lives and families is devastating.
The Lily Foundation is working hard to change this. It provides vital support to patients and families, raises awareness, and funds world-leading research towards a cure. The charity currently funds 20 research projects in the UK, including here in Cardiff.
The Lily Foundation brings positive change to people living with mito, by connecting families so they are no longer isolated, providing expert support and information, and linking patients with specialist healthcare and other services. Lily-funded research has already changed lives, and brings hope to many more.
Liz Curtis, who founded the charity with her family in 2007 after her daughter Lily died from mitochondrial disease, said: "Raising awareness about mito is crucial. The more people know about this disease, the easier it is for those who live with it. Awareness also drives research, which is the only way we'll find treatments or a cure.
"We are proud to be the largest charitable funder of mitochondrial research in Europe, with over £2.5 million invested so far. We rely solely on donations for this, and for the vital support we give to patients and families.
"We are so grateful to Glamorgan Cricket for this amazing opportunity to raise awareness. If every person in the ground donates on the night, or just goes home having learned something about mito, then together we'll have made an important difference."
You can donate £10 to The Lily Foundation by texting MITO to 70460. Thank you for your support.