Action for A-T’s mission is simple: To speed up the process of identifying a cure for A-T, or treatments that delay or prevent the disabling effects of this childhood condition. A-T is short for Ataxia-Telangiectasia which is a rare, neurodegenerative and progressive condition that starts in early childhood causing severe disability and premature death. There is currently no cure for it and nothing that can halt its progression. Babies are born ‘normal’ and then slowly, from around the age of 5, start to lose their independence. A wheelchair is needed usually by the age of ten, if not before, and in many cases, a feeding tube by the age of 12. The immune systems of children who suffer from A-T are usually compromised and so they very often do not live beyond their teens, usually dying of either cancer or a severe respiratory infection.

A-T has been described as having the worst symptoms of four diseases: cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and cancer. Studies show that children who are affected by this debilitating disease do not lose any of their mental capacity and so over time they effectively become trapped inside their deteriorating body. Funding for research into the condition is very limited so Action for A-T has been set up to raise funds that can be put directly into medical research. Your support of this very worthwhile cause would be so appreciated and could make a real difference to the lives of children who suffer from this brutal condition.