The Eric Leonard Kruse Foundation
Why "ELK"?
The story behind CIC-Start30 began many years ago with a charity called The Eric Leonard Kruse Foundation for Clinical Eurgology. It was founded by Professor Ray Kruse Iles, our Head of Biomedicine, together with leading psychotherapist, Tadhg Ó Séaghdha, our Director.
Chapter One
The Man Behind the Name
The Foundation was named after Eric Leonard Kruse (ELK), Professor Ray Kruse Iles' father. Eric was an ordinary man who faced many of life's challenges with remarkable resilience.
Of German heritage, including Jewish ancestry (half Jewish – "Mischling"), he grew up during a time of great prejudice. He was dyslexic long before the condition was recognised or understood, and worked for the local council driving a refuse truck. As the youngest son of the family, he was also expected to care for his widowed mother.
Despite these challenges, Eric was an extremely gifted musician — he played the piano and multiple other instruments entirely by ear (being dyslexic, he couldn't read music). He was also an accomplished ballroom dancer. Above all, his most important aspiration was to be a father. Eric was loved by all that met him.
He died from heart disease at just 27, leaving behind his wife and two young children.
His story inspired a lifelong commitment to understanding the relationship between stress, emotional wellbeing and physical health.
A lifelong commitment to understanding the relationship between stress, emotional wellbeing and physical health.
Today, the term ELK is a tribute to Eric's life and the belief that, even in the face of adversity, compassion, understanding and emotional resilience can change lives.
Chapter Two
"Our" elk — Erik
You will shortly meet "our" elk, Erik. He was originally designed by Sigal Shalev and Tadhg Ó Séaghdha. Erik now has a leading role in the CIC-Start30 programme.