Stan Perron donates $10m to neurological research

Stan and Jean Perron have announced they will be donating $10 million across 10 years to the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, adding to the many reasons Mr Perron was named a State Shaper by The 500 Club today.

Mr Perron joins a small group of philanthropic leaders, including mining magnate Gina Rinehart and businessman John Hughes, to be named a State Shaper by the political support and funding group.

The $10 million donation was in line with many years of philanthropic giving by Mr and Mrs Perron towards the advancement of neurological research.

They have also established the Stan Perron Charitable Trust.

It will specifically be put towards a breakthrough in genetic patching used as a treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which was developed in partnership by Perron Institute’s director Steve Wilton and its director of research, Sue Fletcher.

The treatment has shown promising results so far, with boys able to walk past the age of 16, which is extremely rare for individuals suffering from the disease.

The technology has potential beyond Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and could be applied to over 20 neurological diseases.

Prior to the award being presented to Mr Perron by The 500 Club chair Kate O’Hara, Professor Wilton expressed gratitude for the contributions made by Mr Perron, which have led to the institute in his name becoming a global pioneer in neurological research.

Former governor and long-time friend of Mr Perron, Ken Michael, spoke of the immense influence that Mr Perron has had within the state and its business community, his philanthropic commitments and his dedication to his family.