Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Many symptoms of Ataxia mimic those of being drunk, such as slurred speech, stumbling, falling, and incoordination. These symptoms are caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that is responsible for coordinating movement. Ataxia treatment involves a combination of medication to treat symptoms and therapy to improve quality of life.

People affected by Ataxia may experience problems with using their fingers and hands, arms, legs, walking, speaking or moving their eyes. Ataxia affects people of all ages. Age of symptom-onset can vary widely, from childhood to late-adulthood. Complications from the disease are serious and oftentimes debilitating.

Ataxia has personally affected my mum for many years now. She has always been the pillar of our family, and to see her struggle with this condition over the last 10 years and come to terms with her new normal has been devastating.

I am going to be doing a skydive (!!!) on the 9th of April in aid of ATAXIA UK, which is the leading UK charity for all people affected by ataxia. They fund world-class medical research to identify causes and treatments for those affected.

I would be so grateful if you could donate as little or as much as you can afford towards this charity.

Thank you!

Caitlin x