Alexander Jansons Myocarditis UK

Alexander Jansons Myocarditis UK, established in July 2013 by the family of 18-year-old Alexander Jansons who died from undiagnosed myocarditis, is the UK's sole charity dedicated to this potentially fatal inflammatory heart disease. Its mission is to combat low awareness, diagnostic challenges, and research gaps through funding for better understanding, early detection, prevention, and cure, while providing evidence-based information to professionals and the public. Core values emphasize advancing medical knowledge, saving lives—especially among young people—transparency (all funds go directly to research or awareness), neutrality on sensitive issues like vaccination, and a volunteer-led, non-profit ethos, having raised over £1 million since inception with an annual pledge of at least £80,000 for research.

The charity funds highly specific myocarditis-focused projects, including research on causes, biomarkers, genetics, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention; awareness campaigns for GPs, A&E, clinicians, and the public; NHS guideline development; and dissemination via medical journals (enabling over 26 papers since 2014). Beneficiaries include young patients and families, at-risk groups, and medical professionals, with grants supporting landmark studies (e.g., led by Dr. Sanjay Prasad), NHS protocols, and partnerships like helpline nurses.

Funding targets UK-based academic institutions, hospitals, NHS trusts, and universities with established myocarditis programs, requiring operations in the UK (emphasis on England and Wales). Grants are invite-only via direct trustee engagement aligned with annual strategies—no unsolicited applications, deadlines, or open rounds—with decisions reviewed annually. Typical awards range £80,000–£150,000 for restricted research or awareness projects.

Exclusions cover unrelated health issues, core costs, capacity building, or international work; its distinctive single-focus on myocarditis, personal origin story, and proven impact on national guidelines set it apart for specialist cardiac research seekers.