Ataxia UK is the largest charity in the UK dedicated to ataxia, which causes problems with movement, balance and speech. It funds research to find a cure for ataxia and provides support services to the over 10,000 people in the UK affected by the condition. Ataxia UK runs dedicated ataxia centers in hospitals, provides information and support groups, and funds research projects exploring areas like stem cell therapy and drug development. The charity relies on donations and fundraising to pursue its mission of supporting those with ataxia and finding a cure.

1. 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).

2. 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

3. 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 ”

4. Supporting People
 Helpline and advocacy services
 Dedicated 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

5. 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”

6. 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

7. 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

8. Steph‟s Story
“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 stars in an ataxia awareness video on:
www.ataxiaawarenessday.org

9. Millie Mae‟s Story
In February 2010 Millie was diagnosed with Friedreich‟s ataxia
“ do not really understand what Friedreich‟s
I
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 ”

10. 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

11. 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).