Miss England - Latest News
Miss England becomes ambassador for Genesis Research Trust
Friday, 21 September 2012 14:53
Charlotte Holmes, the recently crowned Miss England, has become an ambassador for Lord Winston's charity, Genesis Research Trust. The 23 year old model was one of the first babies to be conceived by IVF at Professor Winston's clinic at Hammersmtih Hospital and said "Its a real honour to become an ambassador for Genesis Research Trust, a charity so close to my and my family's hearts ...
Pictured: Professor Robert Winston and Miss England 2012 Charlotte Holmes
Photo by Ian Gillett
... As an IVF baby, born to parents whose last hope of a family was their appointment with Lord Winston at The Wolfson Family Clinic at Hammersmith Hospital in 1987.
I want to do my utmost to further raise awareness and funds for this inspirational team whose pioneering work directly resulted in my own existence and I am very much looking forward to working with Sir Robert and the charity to achieve these goals"
Charlotte will be promoting the charity to parents & guests at Miss England heats around the country that she attends during her reign as Miss England.
Genesis Research Trust, based at Hammersmith Hospital and part of Imperial College London, is chaired by its founder Lord Winston to conduct world-class research into devastating diseases affecting women and their babies. Their ground-breaking work benefits families worldwide and boasts the first cancer smear tests and early development of IVF.
Despite countless breakthroughs in medical science, we still do not understand why some pregnancies will end in tragedy. For most of us, having a child of our own is the most fulfilling experience of our lives. All of us can imagine the desperation and sadness of parents who lose a baby, and the life-shattering impact that a disabled or seriously ill child has on a family.
"I am delighted that Charlotte has chosen to support Genesis Research Trust and is taking part in our women only cycle challenge in Sri Lanka 2013. She has a natural connection with our charity and every penny raised by her will help our efforts to ensure the health of future generations" said Lord Winston.
Over the past 12 years, almost over 2000 women have taken part and have raised approximately £6m. Branded Women for Women, these challenges are now the UK's longest running women only challenges. The funds raised train women scientists and clinicians, empowering more women to lead in this field.
Our latest ride is in Sri Lanka and Estonia to Russia in 2013. All our rides are tough but promise spectacular scenery, camaraderie and the opportunity of a lifetime.
Cancer, miscarriage, genetic diseases, stillbirth, polycystic ovary syndrome, pre-eclampsia, infertility, obstetric cholestasis and brain damage are all diseases and conditions that leading scientists funded by the Genesis Research Trust are working to prevent. With around 250 babies dying weekly in the UK from complications during pregnancy (1 in 8 babies born prematurely; 1 in 4 women experience miscarriage; 1 in 175 babies are stillborn), this charity lies at the heart of the most profound of all human wishes: to have a happy and healthy family.
For more information about supporting Genesis Research Trust or to sign up to the Women for Women charity challenge events visit www.genesisresearchtrust.com