Born to run (with a Border Collie)

In this week’s feature, we talk to Jim Johnson, Idiopathic Epilepsy Study Coordinator at the Canine Genetics Centre (CGC). Jim joined the team over three years ago, not long after its move to the University of Cambridge. Working closely with Dr Sally Ricketts and Dr Chris Jenkins in the idiopathic epilepsy team, Jim liaises with dog owners, breeders, and vets to encourage participation in epilepsy research. We spoke to Jim about his work and how his Border Collie, Nell, ensures he never sits still for long. Continue reading

CGC’s relay runners run rings round London landmarks

On Sunday 1st September, five runners teamed up on behalf of “Team CGC” to take part in London’s Big Relay – to raise money to support the Canine Genetics Centre and its idiopathic epilepsy (IE) research.  It turns out that relays involve a lot more planning than the average race (which station is nearest to which start point? What time does each runner need to be in place? Who will look after whose kit bag…?), but the preparations paid off and after an early start all five runners were at their various start points, spread out from Tower Bridge to Canary Wharf, in plenty of time and raring to go. Continue reading

8 runners, 4 legs, 2 teams and a Border Collie who started it all

On 1st September, two teams will be heading to London to run the Big Relay and raise funds to support the Canine Genetics Centre and its idiopathic epilepsy (IE) research. One team, who came up with the idea, was inspired by a Border Collie named Buddy; the second team is made up of CGC researchers who are eager to support the cause. Continue reading