Doug Turnbull has dedicated his life to increasing understanding of mitochondrial disease and advancing research towards a cure. His achievements in transforming the lives of patients and their families have been recognised with many awards and accolades, including a knighthood in 2016 and a Royal Society Fellowship in 2019.
As Director of the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research (WCMR), Doug pioneered the ground-breaking IVF technique known as mitochondrial donation, which prevents genetic disorders from being passed on to future generations. In 2015 the United Kingdom became the first country to legally offer the service to patients.
Sir Doug developed the NHS National Highly Specialised Services for Rare Mitochondrial Diseases of Children and Adults, and was its national lead from 2007 until he stepped down last year. He was an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, an NIHR Senior Fellow, and has chaired Wellcome Trust panels and committees.
Throughout his career Doug's work has been characterised by a 'patient-first' approach combined with a strong belief in rigorous scientific methodology. These values are in direct alignment with those of The Lily Foundation, making him the ideal fit as Patron of the charity.
Doug has been an active supporter of The Lily Foundation since the charity was founded in 2007. With his team at WCMR, he has worked tirelessly with the charity to support families affected by a mitochondrial disease diagnosis, and was a founding member of the charity's Medical Board.
Accepting his patronage, Sir Doug commented: “The Lily Foundation is a wonderful organisation run by talented and compassionate people. It’s a tireless campaigner to improve care for all those patients with mitochondrial disease, and provides tremendous support for families. The Lily Foundation supports the very best science to find treatments and cures for mitochondrial disease. It played an absolutely crucial role in changing the law to allow mitochondrial donation to prevent the transmission of some mitochondrial diseases. It’s a charity that really has changed the lives of those affected by mitochondrial diseases.”
Liz Curtis, CEO of The Lily Foundation, commented: "Doug's patronage is an immensely proud moment for us, and for everyone involved with our charity. His understanding of mitochondrial disease is unmatched, and stems from a deep commitment to improving the lives of patients and their families. To have a scientist with his expertise and credentials as patron is a massive endorsement of our work, and continues our long and fruitful relationship with Doug. As we continue working to support patients and fund research towards a cure, it's immensely encouraging to know we have Doug on the team."