Three quarters of Stroke Association-funded research projects have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the charity has warned of a funding shortfall.

The charity said that the pandemic has had a dramatic effect on its ability to fund research and is anticipating a shortfall of £1.5m in its budget for research and new projects.

In a statement the charity said: “The coronavirus pandemic has caused massive disruption to stroke research, and we’ve seen a dramatic reduction in our income.

“This means that we’ll have less money to spend on vital research over the next few years. It could delay progress in finding new treatments, therapies and ways to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives.”

The Stroke Association has made the announcement as it looks for donations and showcases how it has had to pivot face-to-face support online amid the pandemic.

Commenting on an increasing use of online support, Dr Lucy Dipper, a City University researcher funded by the charity, said: “We're thinking of the move online as a positive change as we’re able to test our new treatment with more stroke survivors. We're thinking it might make our new treatment even richer.

“The treatment looks to improve everyday talking through personal stories. If people are in their own homes, will they feel more comfortable sharing their stories? Could they use family photos and familiar objects to help create their stories?”

Last week around 60 scientists wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for financial support for charities supporting medical research. They called for the setting up of a Life Sciences-Charity Partnership Fund to help.

According to the Association of Medical Research Charities, funding for the medical research sector has dropped by £310m this financial year.

Share Story: