In recent years huge advances have been made in the understanding and treatment of Genetic and Metabolic Disorders. The work being carried out at the Willink Biochemical Genetics Unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital was advancing at such a rate and it became apparent that the unit was struggling to cope with the demands put upon it, hence the need to extend the Unit was urgent.

The GEM Appeal (Genetics, Enzymes, Metabolism) was launched in September 1994 with an initial charitable donation of £70,000 and an aim to raise £500,000 to fund the building of the extension to house further laboratory and office space.  This would enable the research and treatment of rare life threatening genetic and metabolic disorders in children to continue and develop further.

The Trustees of the GEM Appeal were found from varying walks of life, mainly parents of children suffering from genetic disorders and health professionals working in the field of genetics and the fund raising began in earnest!

After five years of dedicated fundraising the building work started in January 1999 and was completed in the summer of 2001.  GEM Appeal patron Denise Welch performed the opening ceremony in June 2001 and the research laboratory was named after the two boys who have now died from one such genetic disorder – Simon and Mike Hoather.

The research performed at the Willink Unit has led to major advances and treatment trials began in the summer of 2001.  Children are currently receiving enzyme trials in the four-bedded unit provided by the GEM Appeal.  This has enabled them to receive the appropriate level of care and treatment.

Over 2,000 children currently attend the Willink Unit and require very specialised care and attention from the staff working there.

The future of treatment of Genetic and Metabolic disorders depends on the research being carried out now and is vital for the future treatment and cure of these life-threatening disorders, which so cruelly devastate so many lives.

Please help us to raise the raise the funds necessary to support the essential work currently being carried out in this area of medicine at the Willink Unit.