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The SMA Trust, founded in 2003, is the only UK charity solely focussed on funding research into finding a cure and treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. SMA is caused by a faulty gene that affects nerve cells needed to control the muscles we use for moving, swallowing and breathing. 1 in 40 of us is a carrier and in the most severe cases (50% of those affected), children rarely live beyond 2 years old – making SMA the leading genetic cause of death in babies and toddlers.