The reception, which took place on Wednesday October 8, was attended by Wales and Ospreys stars James Hook and Alun Wyn Jones.  They were there to help celebrate the inaugural campaign launch of the charity, dedicated to supporting excellence in research and education at the School of Medicine and its Institute of Life Science.

Both players assisted Professor Julian Hopkin, Rector of Medicine and Health and Chairman of Trustees, in unveiling the Tree of Life.

Beautifully wrought in bronze, silver and gold, the Tree is fast filling up with dedication leaves. Situated in the main reception of the ILS, it offers a highly visual way to demonstrate support for the Foundation and an opportunity to dedicate a leaf in memory or thanks.

Just alongside it, and also unveiled on the night, is the Benefactor’s Board.  Designed to recognise extraordinary levels of support, its dedications include the Novo Nordisk, a company committed to treating Diabetes, which was set up in 1923 following the invention of insulin.  Novo Nordisk has recently signed a research collaboration agreement with the School of Medicine, valued at nearly £400,000,

Novo Nordisk’s Vice President for UK and Europe, Viggo Birch, said:

“Novo Nordisk is delighted to be working with Professor Steve Bain and his colleagues on this new collaborative venture. The St. David’s Medical Foundation shares many of our own company’s values in its open and innovative approach. We look forward to a strong, productive and lasting relationship”

Also speaking on the night were two young researchers, Dr Kristin Baer (Lecturer) and Carrie Hammond (PhD Student) who spoke movingly of the difference the Foundation is able to make to their own work in helping epilepsy sufferers.

Professor Marc Clement, a member of the Foundation’s campaign Board also spoke, inviting the assembled guests to support the Foundation and its newly-established Founders’ Club.

Commenting on the Club, Laurence Winmill of Swansea Business Life said:

“Swansea Business Life has been involved with the St. David’s Medical Foundation for some months and we decided recently to adopt it as our official charity. It seems only natural that we would also become members of the Founders’ Club. It’s a one-off opportunity to be recognised as being involved from the very beginning. This opportunity won’t come around again and, quite apart from the boost it gives to the Foundation, it means Swansea Business Life now has the chance to network in a new environment”.

The Founders’ Club is open to individuals and organisations and will support the School of Medicine’s work in key areas such as childhood health, cancer, diabetes, asthma and allergies, heart failure and neuropsychiatry. For more information on the Club, the Foundation and the School of Medicine, log onto www.stdavidsmedicalfoundation.com

For further information on The School of Medicine visit http://www.medicine.swan.ac.uk/index.html.