Staff in the local health board’s Neurology and Pathology departments raised £1,205 from bake sales and raffles.
They teamed up during World Mitochondrial Awareness Week to hold an event to also coincide with World Alzheimer’s Day (Sunday 21 September).
Mitochondrial disease is a rare but serious condition that affects how the body produces energy. It’s caused by faults in the mitochondria, the tiny structures inside our cells that act like batteries, powering everything we do.
When mitochondria don’t work properly, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, fatigue, and seizures. Because mitochondria are found in nearly every cell, the disease can affect many parts of the body, and every person’s experience is different.
The money is being shared between:
– The Lily Foundation, who fund mitochondrial disease research in Europe to improve diagnosis and find treatments.
– The Alzheimer’s Society, who support people living with dementia, fund research, and raise awareness of the disease.
Torfaen Council’s civic centre was lit up green on Saturday 20 September for “Light Up for Mito” – and even to mark World Mitochondrial Awareness Week.