University of Edinburgh MS imaging group share an ambition to push forward MS research.
Francesca and Christine
Francesca and Christine
Method of fundraising
Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2025
Why did you decide to fundraise?
When PhD student Francesca Pentimalli Biscaretti Di Ruffia and postdoctoral research fellow Christine Farrugia arrived in Edinburgh in September 2023, they joined the University’s MS imaging group with a shared ambition: to help push forward critical research that could improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.
Shortly after joining the group, alongside the MS imaging research team, Francesca and Christine took part in the 2025 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, raising almost £2,000 in aid of the Anne Rowling Clinic. The idea came from a colleague, and quickly turned into a team effort.
Working in Professor Adam Waldman’s MS imaging group, they are using MRI data to better understand the patterns of brain changes caused by MS. Their research focuses on identifying MS biomarkers from imaging—a crucial step in improving diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and tailoring treatment.
Shortly after joining the group, alongside the MS imaging research team, Francesca and Christine took part in the 2025 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, raising almost £2,000 in aid of the Anne Rowling Clinic. The idea came from a colleague, and quickly turned into a team effort.
Working in Professor Adam Waldman’s MS imaging group, they are using MRI data to better understand the patterns of brain changes caused by MS. Their research focuses on identifying MS biomarkers from imaging—a crucial step in improving diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and tailoring treatment.
How did you raise the money?
Francesca recalled:
“A colleague suggested it first and we said, ‘Yeah, why not?’ Then it kind of developed into a team effort.”
The experience itself was energising:
“It was very fun. There was a nice energy—so many people from different charities walking around, people on the streets cheering. A really nice community atmosphere.”
“A colleague suggested it first and we said, ‘Yeah, why not?’ Then it kind of developed into a team effort.”
The experience itself was energising:
“It was very fun. There was a nice energy—so many people from different charities walking around, people on the streets cheering. A really nice community atmosphere.”
Fundraising wisdom:
“There’s a lot of important research happening, but of course it needs funds to happen. Funding is what’s needed to keep the momentum and get these projects out there.”
For both of them, ensuring research reaches the people who need it most is at the heart of why fundraising matters:
“It would be a shame for these efforts not to reach patients."
For both of them, ensuring research reaches the people who need it most is at the heart of why fundraising matters:
“It would be a shame for these efforts not to reach patients."
