JK Rowling has donated £15.3 million to support research into the treatment of multiple sclerosis and similar conditions at a centre named after her late mother.

The Harry Potter author’s investment – which is inclusive of gift aid – will also be used to help create new facilities at the University of Edinburgh’s Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.

It was set up following a previous donation from Ms Rowling in 2010 and is named in memory of her mother, who died with the condition at the age of 45.

Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic opening
The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic is an integrated care and research facility focusing on MS and neurological conditions (Andrew Milligan/PA)

She said: “When the Anne Rowling Clinic was first founded, none of us could have predicted the incredible progress that would be made in the field of regenerative neurology, with the clinic leading the charge.

“I am delighted to now support the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic into a new phase of discovery and achievement as it realises its ambition to create a legacy of better outcomes for generations of people with MS and non-MS neurodegenerative diseases.

“It’s a matter of great pride for me that the clinic has combined these lofty ambitions with practical, on the ground support and care for people with MS, regardless of stage and type – I’ve heard at first-hand what a difference this support can make.

“I am confident that the combination of clinical research and practical support delivered by Professor Siddharthan Chandran and his exemplary team will create a definitive step-change for people with MS and associated conditions.”

The clinic is a care and research facility focusing on MS and neurological conditions with the aim of bringing more clinical studies and trials to patients.

Ms Rowling’s gift will also support research projects focusing on the invisible disabilities experienced by people living with MS – such as cognitive impairment and pain.

University experts hope the donation will help have a lasting impact on people with the condition and their families.

Prof Chandran, director of the clinic, said: “Our research is shaped by listening to, and involving, individuals who are living with these tough conditions.

“The Anne Rowling Clinic’s vision is to offer everyone with MS or other neurodegenerative diseases, such as MND, the opportunity to participate in a suite of clinical studies and trials.

“This incredibly far-sighted and generous donation will unlock the potential of personalised medicine for people with MS in Scotland and further afield.”

Ms Rowling’s series about a wizard schoolboy has won multiple awards and sold more than 500 million copies, becoming the best-selling book series in history.