In the last issue we drew to member's attention a very worthwhile cause, the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation (NSIF).

Founded by chef David Nicholls after his son, Daniel, was left paralysed from the arms down in a swimming accident in 2003, the foundation aims to raise funds for projects that expand spinal injury research and development, encourage stem-cell research and surgery and promote post-cure rehabilitation for spinal injury patients.

The Foundation is dedicated to funding research into curing spinal injury and Professor Geoffrey Raisman FRS of The Institute of Neurology has received funding from the NSIF.

David explains: "The target is to raise £1.5m in two years. We've got the world leader in spinal repair here, Professor Raisman, and he's very optimistic that he'll get paralysis beaten in the near future."

To help raise funds and determined to help his son and others living with spinal injury, David compiled a fundraising cookery book, 'Off Duty: The World's Greatest Chefs Cook at Home' which features recipes from a whole host of chefs and leading culinary luminaries. The proceeds of this book helped to set up the foundation.

NSIF is currently working hard to double the money it raises. One way we can all help is to visit the website at nichollsfoundation.org.uk. Linking to the website would also increase the sites online profile and drive a higher number of traffic to the very worthwhile cause.

For those even more technically advanced there is a Facebook page set up for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation of which you can become a fan. Simply type in 'Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation' in the search box to locate the correct page.

To find out more about the charity, buy a copy of the book or donate online please visit the website at: nichollsfoundation.org.uk