Harry Potter author JK Rowling donates £15.3 million to MS research
She's such a generous person
Last updated 12th Sep 2019
JK Rowling has donated £15.3 million to support research into the treatment of multiple sclerosis and similar conditions at a centre named after her late mother.
The Harry Potter author's investment - which is inclusive of gift aid - will also be used to help create new facilities at the University of Edinburgh's Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.
It was set up following a previous donation from Ms Rowling in 2010 and is named in memory of her mother, who died with the condition at the age of 45.
She 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.
"I am delighted to now support the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic into a new phase of discovery and achievement as it realises its ambition to create a legacy of better outcomes for generations of people with MS and non-MS neurodegenerative diseases.
"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.''
Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe
The last Harry Potter film was released in 2011. Here's what the main cast of children look like all grown up!
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe had already starred in David Copperfield when he was cast as the most famous boy in the UK, Harry Potter.
Daniel Radcliffe
Since Harry Potter ended, Daniel has starred in a number of stage productions and films including The Woman In Black, Swiss Army Man and David Copperfield. He starred in the biographical parody film Weird: The Al Yankovic Story in 2022.
Rupert Grint
Rupert had only starred in school plays when he was cast as Harry Potter's best friend Ron Weasley.
Rupert Grint
Rupert has starred in a number of films and TV shows since, with the actor playing the role of Jullian Pearce in TV show Servant, as well as appearing in Snatch, the ABC murders and Sick Note. He will appear in horror film Knock at the Cabin in 2023.
In 2011, Rupert also appeared in Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House' music video!
Tom Felton
Tom was cast as Harry's school nemesis Draco Malfoy. He had already starred in a number of commercials and the film 'The Borrowers'.
Tom Felton
Tom has appeared in a number of high-profile movies since, including Rise of the Planet of the Apes, In Secret and The Forgotten Battle.
He's also shown off his singing voice, and has posted a number of videos to Instagram of him playing guitar.
Emma Watson
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001 was Emma's debut screen performance.
Emma Watson
Emma has starred in a number of films and took on the role of Belle in the live-action version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast in 2017. She has since appeared in Little Women and The Circle.
She is also a huge advocate for women's rights and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2015.
Matthew Lewis
Matthew Lewis starred as Neville Longbottom, who ended up being one of heroes of the story.
Matthew Lewis
The term 'Longbottoming' was coined to describe people who became extremely attractive when they grew up after Matthew Lewis turned into a hunk!
Since leaving Harry Potter, Matthew has appearing in a number of TV shows including 2016 series Happy Valley.
The clinic is a care and research facility focusing on MS and neurological conditions with the aim of bringing more clinical studies and trials to patients. Ms Rowling's gift will also support research projects focusing on the invisible disabilities experienced by people living with MS - such as cognitive impairment and pain.
University experts hope the donation will help have a lasting impact on people with the condition and their families.
Prof Chandran, director of the clinic, said: "Our research is shaped by listening to, and involving, individuals who are living with these tough conditions.
"The Anne Rowling Clinic's vision is to offer everyone with MS or other neurodegenerative diseases, such as MND, the opportunity to participate in a suite of clinical studies and trials. This incredibly far-sighted and generous donation will unlock the potential of personalised medicine for people with MS in Scotland and further afield.''
Ms Rowling's series about a wizard schoolboy has won multiple awards and sold more than 500 million copies, becoming the best-selling book series in history.
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