Be aware of Ataxia

It’s OK, not many people have.

Ataxia UK is a registered charity that aims to support those with the condition and strive towards finding a cure.

It is estimated that around 10,000 individuals living in the UK, young and not so young, have Ataxia yet only some 7% of the population know about or have heard of the disorder.

Ataxia UK has a number of branches and support groups dotted around the the country and I co-ordinate the East Durham support group, which includes people from Sunderland.

We are a small group of around seven or eight members who have Cerebella Ataxia.

This is a degenerative neurological condition that affects the Cerebellum in the brain resulting in loss of balance and co-ordination.

It can also affect speech and eyesight, amongst a host of other physical functions.

Unfortunately, it may appear that the person with Ataxia is permanently drunk.

Currently there is no cure.

Phil Whitwell