Funder and facilitator of research into women’s health in multiple sclerosis (MS)
Women are three times more likely to develop MS than men. Yet, historically, there have been significant information gaps about how best to treat and manage the disease through different phases of women's lives - from menstruation to menopause.
Since my MS diagnosis in 2009, I've been committed to changing this by establishing the Rachel Horne Prize for Women’s Research in MS , funding female-specific MS studies and writing extensively on the subject.
My work
My mission is to champion and support equitable research in MS. Drawing on my background as a journalist, I have used both personal storytelling and scientific publishing to raise awareness of the realities of living with MS and the need for research that better reflects the diverse experiences of those impacted by the disease.
Through my family foundation in Canada, I support a wide range of initiatives that explore the interchange between MS and women's health. By championing this work, I aim to advance more equitable research, deepen our understanding of women's experiences with MS, and improve outcomes for future generations.
Rachel Horne Prize for Women’s Research in MS
In 2023, I set up the Rachel Horne Prize. This international $40,000 award recognises and celebrates female scientists for their outstanding contributions to women’s health-related issues in MS.
MS research funding
I have donated more than £1.5 million to support MS research across the UK. A key priority has been providing vital early-stage funding to help promising research projects get underway and generate evidence needed to secure larger-scale support.
I also direct support towards initiatives that seek to advance equity in MS research. This includes funding EQUITY MS, a £550,000 multi-centre UK study, the establishment of a £400,000 senior clinical academic position “Horne Advanced Fellowship in MS” at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the MS Domestic Violence and Abuse Research Initiative at the University of Leeds.
Read more about the MS research I have supported:
Writing about MS
Drawing on my decades-long career as a journalist, I have written extensively about living with MS. I have also been a co-author on a number of articles appearing in high-impact, peer-reviewed neurology journals including Nature Reviews Neurology, The BMJ and Neurology.
View a selection of my articles:
Speaking, podcasts and patient advocacy
I have appeared on BBC’s Radio 4 to discuss advances in MS research, moderated panels at ECTRIMS, the world's largest MS research conference, been a keynote speaker at the Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair and appeared as a guest on a number of MS podcasts.
I also engage in patient advocacy: I am an Honorary Research Fellow at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health at QMUL. Since 2024, I have been co-chair of the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Group for the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Dementia and Neurodegeneration QMUL.
Connect with me
I am always looking to connect and collaborate with researchers, clinicians, medical institutions, advocacy groups and professionals who share my commitment for driving impactful, patient-centred solutions and improving equity in MS care and outcomes. You can contact me via email at rachel@horne-stone.co.uk.
