Every other day in the UK, a baby is born who may develop serious mitochondrial disease
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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Our impact
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£200k
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23
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See our charity work in action
At just 16 years old, Elinor faced challenges most of us will never fully understand. Living with mitochondrial disease – a rare, progressive and currently incurable condition – she experienced pain, exhaustion and uncertainty every day.
Despite her diagnosis, Elinor was full of spirit, strength and insight. She was determined to live her life with courage, and to help others understand what it truly means to live with mito.
This is her story.
Help us to support patients like Elinor, raise awareness of mitochondrial disease and fund research into treatments and a cure.
Help us to fight mito and find hope for everyone affected.
Latest news
When Mary was diagnosed with LHON in 2022, her world changed overnight. But instead of accepting her fate, she took on a fight that could rewrite the story for many facing this rare form of mitochondrial disease. On LHON Awareness Day, discover how Mary’s determination has paved the way for a new treatment – and renewed hope.
This September, for Dystonia Awareness Month, we’re sharing the story of 22-year-old India, whose life is affected not only by mitochondrial disease but also by dystonia. Read on to see how her strength and honesty are helping to shed light on the reality behind both of these ‘invisible’ illnesses.
A huge thank you to everyone who got involved in this year’s World Mitochondrial Disease Week. Thanks to our incredible supporters, it’s been our most impactful campaign yet. Together, we reached more people than ever before and helped put mito on the map all over the country.