My name is Yasmina, and I am a 15-year-old girl with Friedrich's ataxia. (Friedreich's ataxia, also called FA, is a rare inherited disease that causes progressive nervous system damage and movement problems.) It usually begins in childhood and leads to impaired muscle coordination (ataxia) that worsens over time. I am attempting to fundraise so I can learn and participate in horse riding competitions.

I have never been able to join in physical activities like P.E. or sports day since I was 7. At that age, everyone noticed I was different from other children. I could still run, but I was slow and fell a lot, and it got significantly worse over time. Other students would make fun of me because I couldn’t participate. When I moved to Year 4, I was still bullied, with names like "slow coach," "clumsy," "contagious," and "dumb." In the middle of Year 4, just before my 9th birthday, I was diagnosed, and I came to school with my walker, then my wheelchair. Everyone was shocked and thought I was lying, but the bullying continued.

Despite this, I continued with my studies, determined not to go to a special school. We started swimming lessons, and everyone said, “You can’t swim, you’re disabled.” Now, I swim at an extremely high level. When I went to secondary school, I was determined to be independent, excel in my grades, and stay active to prevent further paralysis (according to my condition).

I began horse riding at 11 to use it as therapy for my scoliosis. Fortunately, just before starting to wear a spine brace and possibly undergoing major spine surgery, my spine improved due to horse riding. I continued using horse riding as therapy. Then, I saw a Para rider with the same condition as me who achieved second place, inspiring me to do the same. I began aiming for better riding skills so I could compete.

The month of the competition came, and I practiced diligently. When the day arrived, I was ready. I entered the test, which was marked by the accuracy of my horse maneuvers. I ended up winning in my class and qualifying for nationals. The national championship came, and I finished 2nd in a class of 30 people. This experience further inspired me.

Unfortunately, I have lost the strength in my knees and cannot stand without significant assistance. Therefore, I will need more therapy to regain my strength or even prevent further damage to my nervous system. I hope that after reading my story, you will be inspired to help me fundraise so I can delay the symptoms of paralysis and further loss of strength and abilities, which have already affected my legs, hands, speech, back, and other parts of my body. I am still determined to enter more competitions to achieve my dream of becoming a Para rider, having my own horse to care for, riding whenever I want, and entering any competition that presents itself.

Due to my disability, I require more assistance and support (one-to-one lessons) to learn more about horses and riding. By donating, you will help me achieve my goal, support my mental and physical well-being, raise awareness, and challenge my disability.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.