The Trustees endeavour to allocate some funds each year for medicine generally, in addition to their primary commitment to medical research. They keep in mind Sir Jules Thorn's concern to alleviate the suffering of patients and to aid diagnosis.
The resources available are limited and depending on the appeals received the Trustees may allocate the total fund in any one year to just one project, or divide it between several deserving appeals. Grants are awarded for a wide range of purposes. They may be linked to a very large appeal to expand important facilities for research in medical schools or to enhance patient care in hospitals. Other grants go to charities whose work is devoted to the care and comfort of patients with distressing clinical conditions. Grants under this programme are not provided for medical research.