Family's gift to aid fragile X research

A FAMILY has pledged a six-figure sum for a new research centre in Edinburgh to increase understanding of a little-known genetic condition.

Gus Alusi and Reem Waines, whose son Kenz has fragile X syndrome - the leading cause of inherited learning difficulties and autism - are backing a new research centre based at Edinburgh University.

The London family's gift will help researchers focus on understanding the brain processes that underlie these conditions, with the hope of developing more effective treatments.

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The Patrick Wild Centre for Research into Autism, Fragile X Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities has also received support from Edinburgh University graduate Dr Alfred Wild, whose family has been affected by autism.

The centre has been named in memory of Dr Wild's brother, who was severely autistic, and as a tribute to their parents who cared for Patrick.