Until we can
breathe again

Working towards a greater understanding of Wegener’s Granulomatosis (GPA) and its ultimate cure

Welcome to St Thomas’ Wegener’s Trust

This website provides up-to-date information written by consultants about Wegener’s and about the range of treatments available and the findings of the Trust’s research.

You will also find stories from people with first-hand experience of the disease and information about how to contribute to the work of the Trust. The Trust aims to empower patients and those who care about them; whatever your reason for visiting the site, we hope you find what you are looking for.

St Thomas’ Wegener’s Trust

Wegener’s Granulomatosis (GPA) is a rare condition that gets overlooked in the allocation of funding in the NHS. Donations to the Wegener’s Trust fund research, and are highly effective in furthering our understanding of the condition and of potential treatments.

The Trust funds scientists and clinicians to work with Professors David D’Cruz and Jo Spencer to pursue various productive lines of research into Wegener’s (GPA), trying to get to the core of what is causing this disease with a view to developing specific treatments.

Professor D’Cruz and his team

Professor D’Cruz and his team run the Vasculitis Clinic within the Louise Coote Lupus Unit at St Thomas’ Hospital and over the last twenty years have accumulated vast clinical experience of Wegener’s granulomatosis (GPA), which informs the team in prioritising our research efforts.

I was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis in my late 20s (I am now in my early 50s). Wegener’s is an elusive syndrome, which can flare up on a whim and so I am always conscious of its power over me.

Rituximab has been a complete game changer for me. My Wegener’s has remained in remission since my last intravenous infusion of Rituximab in 2017 – this feels much more like a lasting peace than a mere reprieve.

I have been fortunate through Dr D’Cruz’s expert care and his full appreciation of the long-term tenure of this condition to be able to follow a relatively normal life. I am very proud to have founded the Wegener’s Trust with him. This Trust is making a real difference in the understanding of this elusive condition and in funding meaningful targeted research.

- James, Amersham