UK Mitochondrial Disease Charity - The Lily Foundation
The Lily Foundation logo featuring a butterfly, hearts and an 'x' for a kiss

Fighting mito,
finding hope.

A young mitochondrial disease patient in a wheelchair holding her hands to her mouth A young mitochondrial disease patient in a wheelchair holding her hands to her mouth

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Every other day in the UK, a baby is born who may develop serious mitochondrial disease

smiley young boy with mito, walking down a sunny lane with the assistance of a walking frame

Mitochondrial disease, or ‘mito’, is a rare, complex and difficult-to-diagnose genetic disorder that affects people in very different ways. It can affect any organ at any age, and often occurs in babies and young children. There is currently no cure, but we’re working hard to change that, and are the largest charitable funder of mitochondrial research in Europe.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a key factor in other more common diseases including dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and cancer. The research we fund and support not only holds promise for individuals with mitochondrial disorders, but has the potential to benefit millions of others too.

That’s why, despite being a little-known disease, mitochondrial disease could be the key to some of the most important medical breakthroughs of our time.

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What does it take to live with mitochondrial disease?

We want to show you just what it takes to live with mitochondrial disease.

Meet Harry, Mandy, Katie, Tom and Leia, all real people, living with mito every day. Leia and her family show incredible courage as they fight her incurable condition. Harry and his mum Mandy have hope and belief for the future. They all have what it takes – but they can’t do it alone.

With your support, The Lily Foundation can keep providing care for families like these, funding vital research and finding hope where it’s needed most. Do you have what it takes to help us fight mito? Donate today to make a difference.

Your essential guide to mito

Our guide will help you make sense of your condition. Find easy-to-understand explainers, science simplified and the reassurance that we’re with you every step of the way.

Our impact

  • £11m

    Raised
    since 2007

  • 1500

    Families
    supported

  • £200k

    Donated
    to patients

  • 23

    Research projects
    funded

Latest news

Team Teddy scores big in charity football match

Supporters on the Isle of Wight came together in an inspiring show of community spirit last weekend. Thanks to a fun-filled day of football, sunshine and family entertainment, they raised vital funds and awareness for mitochondrial disease in honour of 3-year-old Teddy.

Lily’s London Marathon team goes further than ever before

The 2026 London Marathon was a landmark moment for Lily, bringing together our biggest mass-participation team at a sporting event ever! An incredible 52 runners took on the challenge – including some travelling from as far afield as the US and Norway – together raising an astonishing £193,000 to fund vital mitochondrial disease research and support.