Tribute to John Grace QC

MHRUK launches The John Grace QC research scholarship

Mental Health Research UK is very sad to announce that one of its founding Trustees, John Grace QC, has died. In MHRUK's early years, John was a driving force, fiercely determined to make a long-term difference. John strongly believed that, as with physical illness, the key to improving the lives of mental illness sufferers is high quality medical research. He and the other co-founders passionately believed that there was a desperate need for a new charity to effect ongoing change in this area plagued by stigma. As a QC at the top of his profession, John commanded enormous respect, and MHRUK was extremely fortunate to have him at its forefront. John's wit, warmth, compassion, intelligence and drive will be very sorely missed.

John's family most kindly had a collection in aid of MHRUK at his funeral in Temple Church in July 2011, at which a fantastic sum - almost £8,000 - was raised. MHRUK is putting these funds towards a new research scholarship in John's name, honour and memory. This will focus on research into the causes of schizophrenia, an illness from which one of John's family members suffered. We think that this would have pleased John greatly.

If you would like to make a specific donation to John's scholarship, please donate in any of the usual ways (click on the 'Make a donation' link on the left hand side in the top navigation), and then email us at trustees@mentalhealthresearchuk.org.uk to let us know that this is your preference.

As John was a Bencher at Middle Temple, we will be celebrating his life through a tribute dinner there, and honouring his memory by raising funds for his scholarship. This will take place on Friday 10th February 2012. For further information and to apply for tickets, please choose download: [Word] [PDF]