|  |  |  | | | | LEICESTERSHIRE STUDENT WINS PRESTIGIOUS GRANT | | | | |
| |  Simon Fitch
Release Date: 23rd November 2005
Ashby-de-la-Zouch student Simon Fitch has taken on a very important step in his research career after winning a prestigious PhD studentship from the charity Leukaemia Research.
Simon, 23, will study the role of a genetic mutation found in 20% of patients with various types of leukaemia.
As part of Dr Colin Miles’ team based at the University of Newcastle, Simon is analysing the “Wilm’s Tumour 1” or “WT1” gene. He is looking at how this gene can lead to the development of leukaemia when it becomes altered in blood cells.
“I am honoured to have gained this award and play a part in such important research” says Simon. “It is hoped that by gaining a better understanding of the WT1 gene, we can help develop new treatments.”
Simon attended Ashby Grammar School and then went on to study at the University of Bristol, where he graduated with a degree in Biochemistry. Simon is now looking forward to his new challenge.
He is one of only four graduates this year to win a three-year PhD studentship from Leukaemia Research. The studentships were set up in 1991 to mark the retirement of the charity’s first Director, Dr Gordon Piller, who helped the organisation become the largest national charity solely dedicated to research on leukaemia and related blood cancers.
“Having spent some time volunteering in a genetics laboratory at the University of Leicester I have taken a keen interest in how my studies relate to blood cancers - I am pleased to be able to continue this interest thanks to Leukaemia Research,” says Simon.
Over the next five years, Leukaemia Research has allocated over £75million to new leading research. From basic laboratory research to clinical trials with patients, the charity is committed to saving lives by funding high quality, carefully selected, research throughout the UK.
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