KNUTSFORD'S MP visited a Booths Hall-based charity this week to learn how it will fund ground breaking research into the regeneration of limbs for amputee victims. 

George Osborne visited Find a Better Way on Thursday, October 16, and met with the charity’s founder, Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

Mr Osborne had a chat with Sir Bobby and his team at their Booths Hall office to discuss its forthcoming research programme.

The world-leading regenerative medicine programme, which will be announced this week, will fund ground breaking research into the regeneration of limbs for amputee victims.

Sir Bobby’s charity, Find A Better Way, was set up by the former Manchester United and England player following a visit to a minefield in Cambodia. He felt that, with modern technological advances, there had to be a better way to tackle the problem and improve the lives of those affected.

Mr Osborne said: “It is fantastic that a local Cheshire charity is leading the way with research that could improve the lives of millions of people worldwide, not only landmine victims. Sir Bobby’s initiative has my full support.”

Sir Bobby Charlton added: “It was a privilege to welcome the Rt. Hon. George Osborne to our offices here in Knutsford.

"We were able to update him on our research programmes and share with him our plans for the next year. Mr Osborne was extremely encouraging of the work of our teams and pledged his support for our future plans.”

The charity has instigated a programme with Imperial College and Georgia Tech in the USA to set up two regenerative medicine centres to develop new limbs for amputees.

The limbs will not be prosthetics but real, grown from the victims own cells. This is a world first and has virtually limitless translational benefits. 

The charity is entering into a £100 Million commitment and is therefore looking to raise this sum and bring it into UK research.

“We have ambitious plans over the next twelve months and we are looking to engage the support of the business, science and academic communities in the UK and the chancellor can help us form those relationships which are so vital to our ongoing fundraising,” added Martin Dansey, CEO, Find a Better Way.

Find a Better Way will welcome its trustees, sponsors and special guests at a gala dinner being held tomorrow, Thursday, October 23 at the Rosewood, London.