Childlife

Navigating the early years of a diagnosis is a critical time for parents. For Bryce’s family, finding Ataxia UK was the turning point, having been told that he has a type of cerebellar ataxia known as AOA1.

They were able to attend an Ataxia UK conference which helped them to gather knowledge and to meet other children living with ataxia, and regularly visit the Sheffield specialist ataxia centre for appointments. Mum Rachel was able to share a video from the Ataxia UK website with staff and pupils at Bryce’s school, to help them to understand how ataxia affects him.

“Ataxia UK was a life support when we first received Bryce’s diagnosis and prognosis. We’d never heard of ataxia and felt helpless, ill prepared and panicked, knowing Bryce’s cerebellum was deteriorating.” Rachel.

Bryce’s ‘wicked sense of humour’ helps the family to keep things light-hearted, and he is well-known and popular at school – zooming round the corridors in his powered wheelchair.

Increasing awareness

His Mum describes his ataxia as his ‘superpower’ and says he rarely complains and has a willingness to give most things a try. He enjoys the freedom that swimming can offer him, has found a way to hold the controllers so that he can game with his friends, and earlier this year he represented his school in a ten-pin bowling competition.

Bryce is a force to be reckoned with and is keen to share his story as a YouTuber when he is older – he’s already using video and audio presentations to tackle homework and has spoken in school assemblies to increase awareness and understanding.

You are helping Ataxia UK to support Bryce and other families when they need it most. Thank you.

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