A FORMER Knox Academy pupil is at the heart of a study looking into a debilitating condition.

William Macintosh-Smith has launched a crowdfunding appeal to help him continue his research into Spinal Cord Injury Central Neuropathic Pain.

The PhD student at the University of Aberdeen’s Institute of Medical Sciences is looking to secure £24,000.

The five-figure sum will allow the 25-year-old to continue the remaining two years of his PhD research.

William, whose mum Liz Macintosh and dad Ian Smith still live in East Lothian, said: “Getting this money would be tremendous.

“At the moment, I’m trying to keep my finances together without a stipend, which is difficult.”

Central neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition that afflicts patients who have suffered traumatic injuries to the central nervous system, namely spinal cord injury.

It is estimated to affect over half of all patients having suffered spinal cord injury and pain experienced by patients can include continuous or spontaneous bouts of sensations akin to burning, stabbing and/or electric shock. Collectively, central neuropathic pain leads to a major loss in quality of life, as seen by increased incidents of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders among patients with the condition.

William, who grew up between Haddington and Garvald, was awarded the Elphinstone PhD Scholarship last year, which pays for his academic fees only.

Now, he is looking to continue his studies and he said: “I am a member of a multi-disciplinary research team lead by my supervisors, Dr Wenlong Huang and Professor Colin McCaig exploring novel research aiming to treat spinal cord injury central neuropathic pain.”

Anything above the target of £24,000 will also go on to Spinal Research, the UK’s leading charity funding medical research around the world to develop effective treatments for paralysis.

To support William, who attended Haddington Infant School and King’s Meadow Primary School, in Haddington, go to www.gofundme.com/f/phd-funding-for-spinal-cord-injury-research