Skull Base Foundation

The Skull Base Foundation aims to support development in the care of patients with skull base disease through the education of surgeons and clinical and basic science research.

 

There has always been a strong link between the FBT Trust and the Manchester Skull Base Unit and the Trust has facilitated numerous research projects. The Frances Brenda Thornley Trust was set up in 1978 following a generous donation from Frances Brenda Thornley. Mrs Thornley had been diagnosed with a large vestibular schwannoma.  She went on to have the tumour removed by John Dutton, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Richard Ramsden, Consultant ENT surgeon, at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. They had just started working together after Richard Ramsden’s appointment to the Manchester Royal Infirmary and were to go on to become a very influential team in the world of skull base surgery. Her surgery went well and she made an excellent recovery. There was no recurrence of the tumour. Very soon after her operation, Brenda said she would like to make a donation to the fledgling skull base unit in Manchester of around £20K.  This was placed within a charitable Trust to which further funds were added from a number of sources over time.

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The Trust has facilitated numerous research projects and helped run many skull base related courses over the years. It has also supported a number of senior ENT trainees from around the world who wished to develop an interest in skull base surgery. Many have gone on to become leading skull base surgeons in their own country securing the legacy of Ramsden, Dutton and Frances.

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The Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre is a collaborative partnership between The University of Manchester, the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and The Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences at The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust. It focuses on translating neurological research into practical healthcare benefits for patients with brain conditions. 

 

Notably, the Centre has gained international recognition for its world leading research and clinical care for skull base tumour patients. In partnership with the Skull Base Foundation and Manchester Skull Base Unit, their skull base research is the most comprehensive in the UK encompassing imaging and biomarkers, genetic mechanisms, neuroimmunology and inflammation, tumour microenvironment, and extends to novel treatments and clinical trials.

 

By fostering collaboration between clinical and academic experts, the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre aims to transform the lives of patients living with skull base conditions through innovative research and improved treatment strategies.