Ataxia is a genetic neurological condition that causes problems with balance, co-ordination and speech. It is also linked to scoliosis, heart disease and diabetes.

Ataxia is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. Ataxia can leave sufferers completely dependant on others for their needs and it is severely life shortening with an average life span of 35 years. Over 10,000 adults and children in the UK have ataxia but there is currently no cure.

This fundraiser is for myself Frankie Gibbons, a sufferer of Friedreich's Ataxia. I started showing symptoms at 18 months and was misdiagnosed several times before being properly diagnosed at 5 years old. I was walking with a walking stick by 8, a frame by 10 and despite my reluctance, moved into a manual wheelchair at around 13 years old. Now 23 years old and in spite of the challenges i face in every day life, I have moved into my own property and still manage to keep a smile on my face everyday!

Last year i took part in a study to see how effective a stem cell inducing drug is in Bristol. The results came back positive, but i have to wait 2 years before this treatment is funded by the NHS! This is why i have made the decision to go to Serbia at the end of September to repeat this treatment as my disease is progressive and i would like to do this whilst i still can!

Thank you for taking your time to read this and any donations would be hugely appreciated however small they may be.