A retired GP from Leeds has donated £10,000 to the national charity, the Mental Health Foundation, to fund a prize for outstanding research within the fields of mental health and learning disabilities.
Dr John Sinson has set up the research prize in memory of his late wife Dr Janice Sinson, who died last year in Whitby. Dr Janice Sinson was born in Leeds and during her lifetime made a significant contribution to research. In the early 1980s, she was awarded a PHD from the University of Nottingham for work into the socialisation and education of children with Down's Syndrome.
In addition to a successful academic career, Dr Janice Sinson raised two daughters with her husband Dr John Sinson.
Dr John Sinson has set up the fund in part to say thank you to the Mental Health Foundation, which funded some of his wife’s work years ago. The first instalment of the prize has been awarded to two researchers at the charity for their work on dementia and children’s mental health. For more than 60 years the charity has been carrying out research to improve treatments and services for people with mental health problems and learning disabilities.
Dr John Sinson, said:
“I am delighted that the Mental Health Foundation accepted the offer of a prize as a tribute. Janice accomplished her research with great enthusiasm and dedication, and made a difference to the quality of life and education of Down's children. She would have been touched that a prize in her name should have been established. My intention was both to honour Janice’s achievements and acknowledge the support provided by the research grants awarded by such a prestigious organisation as the Mental Health Foundation.”
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Dr John Sinson for this significant donation that will enable our charity to carry out vital research that will improve how we care for people living with a mental illness or learning disability.
To find out more about the charity’s work visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk and www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information please contact Alistair Martin in the Mental Health Foundation press office on 020 7803 1130 or amartin@mhf.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation (www.mentalhealth.org.uk) uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services. Registered Charity No: (England & Wales) 801130: (Scotland) SC 039714.
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (www.learningdisabilities.org.uk) promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families.
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