University hits £350m target thanks to a little magic from JK Rowling

Published on 16/11/2012 01:47

A university’s £350 million fundraising campaign which attracted support from author JK Rowling has reached its target.

The £10m donated to the University of Edinburgh by the Harry Potter creator is being used to establish a new multiple sclerosis (MS) research clinic.

The facility, which is named after Rowling’s mother, Anne, and is due to open next year, will focus on developing treatments for MS and other degenerative neurological conditions.

The university’s fundraising drive was launched six years ago with the aim of furthering research, maintaining the buildings and providing financial aid for students. Support has also come from former students, funding councils, trusts and foundations, corporations, government and research charities.

Projects receiving support include The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and the McKern Fellowship, which funds research into the treatment of pain and distress during pregnancy and labour.

Kirsty MacDonald, the university’s director of development and alumni engagement, said: “What is significant, and what the university is most proud of, is that the campaign has funded projects that have the potential to change people’s lives for the better. We will continue to work with supporters to ensure all areas of the university flourish.”

Other key projects to benefit include the Centre for Regenerative Medicine, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World and the Scottish Centre for Diaspora Studies.