Ataxia: What’s that?

Ataxia UK works across the whole of the UK and is a charity registered in Scotland (no SC040607) and in

England and Wales (no 1102391) and a company limited by guarantee (4974832).

Ataxia UKwww.ataxia.org.uk

Helpline: 0845 644 0606

What is Ataxia?

‘Ataxia’ means ‘lack of order’. People with ataxia have problems with movement, balance and speech

Over 10,000 adults in the UK have a form of ataxia and about 5,000 children

Several types of ataxia start in childhood and can leave children in wheelchairs, struggling to talk and walk

Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common form

There is currently no cure for ataxia but we are working to find one

What does Ataxia UK do?

“Ataxia UK is the largest national medical research charity for

everyone affected by ataxia.

We fund research and provide support for anyone affected by

ataxia.

You can join Ataxia UK for free”

Supporting People

Helpline and advocacy servicesDedicated Ataxia Centres in national

hospitals in London, Sheffield and Oxford

National network of branches and support groups

Conferences and up-to-date information

Free membership

Searching for a Cure

“Ataxia UK funds a wide range of research

projects. In the past five years we have spent

over £3 million on research,

with some notable successes.

Finding a cure for ataxia is our highest

priority”

Some Research Projects Currently Funded

Exploring the potential of stem cell therapy in ataxia

Finding new drug targets by understanding the condition better

Developing a new promising type of drug (called HDAC Inhibitor) for Friedreich’s ataxia – the first human trial to start soon

Testing a genetic approach for the future treatment of inherited cerebella ataxias

Chris’ Story

“The most difficult thing about

being in a wheelchair…

well, there's more than one... but

the way people avoid me, the way

people speak to me like I'm a child.

People are very happy to discuss

me but they're not happy to talk to me”

Chris stars in an ataxia awareness video on:

www.ataxiaawarenessday.org

“I’m very fortune, I’m a positive,

energetic person. I love my

independence. I was very down after

my diagnosis but then I joined Ataxia

UK, spoke to others with ataxia and

found hope again ”

Steph’s Story

Steph stars in an ataxia awareness video on: www.ataxiaawarenessday.org

“I do not really understand what Friedreich’s

ataxia means, but I have to go to the hospital

all the time. It doesn’t stop me doing

things. I went rock climbing and got higher

than some friends! My family are doing lots

and lots of fundraising to support me and Ataxia UK”

Millie Mae’s Story

In February 2010 Millie was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia

How You Can Help

•Tell your friends about ataxia: just 7% of people know about it

•Put up a poster in your local library,café or GPs office

•Hold a coffee morning or raffle•See our Fundraising Pack for further fundraising ideas•Join us and become a Friend of Ataxia UK for free

Visit www.ataxia.org.uk for more information or to make a donation

Thank You for Your Support

Ataxia UK works across the whole of the UK and is a charity registered in Scotland (no SC040607) and in

England and Wales (no 1102391) and a company limited by guarantee (4974832).

Ataxia UKwww.ataxia.org.uk

Helpline: 0845 644 0606fundraising@ataxia.org.uk