Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Hello, My name is Kimberley Edwards, I'm 25 and live a small village in north Wales. At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with a condition known as Friedreich's Ataxia or FA  for short. Friedreich's Ataxia is a very rare genetically inhereted neurological disorder that causes nervous system damage. It a muscle wasting disorder that affects balance and co-oridination resulting in awkward, unsteady movements and impaired sensory functions. The disorder also causes problems in the heart and spine, and some people with the condition develop diabetes. FA doesn't affect thinking and reasoning abilities nor intelligence. FA is degenerative and therefore it progressively worsens over time.

I was born with Friedreich's Ataxia, but unknown to us, my family just thought I was a very clumsy child as I was always dropping things and falling over, like kids do. But at the age of 10, it was clear something wasn't right and It was more than just being clumsy, as my walking began to get a little wobbly and dropping things became more frequent. And after a year of tests, at 11, I was diagnosed with FA. Slowly my mobility, balance and co-ordination deterioted which meant at 18, I needed the use of a four-wheeled walker to get about with and used a manual wheelchair on days out.

As from the start of last year, 2010, I use a wheelchair full time as I am no long able to walk. I have slurred speech, scoliosis has started to set in and have a few heart problems too. But apart from all that, I live a happy, healthy lifestyle and with the support of good friends and family, I am determind to keep a positive outlook on life and live it to the fullest!

 At present their is no cure for Freidreich's Ataxia and this is why I'm taking part in the skydive to help raise as much as I can to contribute to the funds needed to carry out the research. Please dig deep into your pockets and sponsor me. Any Amount, big or small, will be greatly appreciated. Every Penny makes a difference!!