Cases of Lyme disease are growing rapidly in the UK, but despite this there is no truly reliable test available on the NHS. This can cause delays in diagnosis, leaving some patients with devastating chronic illnesses, permanent nerve and tissue damage, and other life-limiting symptoms. There is also no way to test after treatment to see if you are the infection is gone. The current NHS treatments don't cure every patient, and up to a third are still experience symptoms, with no further options.

We want to fund research into developing better diagnostic tests and treatment protocols for Lyme disease that will prevent the current delays in diagnosis, and improve recovery rates. This is so every UK patient can get the help they need on the NHS, and not need to pay for private and expensive testing or treatment, here or abroad - like so many do. Our Innovation Fund is in its second year, and aims to support exciting research projects, helping to get ideas off paper and in the lab.