History
A brief history
Ataxia UK began life modestly back in 1963, when Dr R L Hewer and Dr Norman Robinson ('Robbie') encouraged a group of parents whose children had Friedreich's ataxia, to get together for mutual support.
In 1965, the organisation became a registered charity, the Friedreich's Ataxia Group. The first Annual General Meeting was in 1966.
From the beginning, the Group’s members were passionately committed to raising funds for research into treatments and a cure.
1n 1988, the constitution was changed. The Group now welcomed people affected by all of the cerebellar ataxias, not just Friedreich’s. The research agenda broadened accordingly. The year was also significant because the research team led by Sue Chamberlain and funded by the Group finally located the gene responsible for Friedreich’s ataxia, on chromosome 9.
The original Friedreich’s Ataxia Group became The Ataxia Group of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1997, but the charity had unofficially adopted the shorter ‘Ataxia UK’ back in 1992. Ataxia UK became our legally recognised name on 1 April 2004, when the charity incorporated and received a new registration number.
Throughout its history, Ataxia UK has produced a vast range of publicity items, information leaflets and had some great PR ‘coups’. A regular newsletter has provided a lifeline of contact since the earliest days.
Today we can offer our fundraisers a comprehensive range of support materials in our Fundraiser's tool kit and produce a wide range of publications for both the general public and medical professionals. The Ataxian is our quarterly magazine.
Please Join us.
Ataxia UK is funded by voluntary contributions. In the past forty years, we have awarded over £2 million for research into the ataxias – an astonishing achievement for a small charity.
We can carry on our work because of the energy, determination and enthusiasm of our many supporters. Over the years, people have given us countless hours of their time, their very best efforts, and the money they can spare. This allows us to make a difference to the lives of people affected by ataxia.
The future
In the next ten years, we aim to establish Ataxia Centres nationwide, to continue to have a flourishing network of branches and support groups. Funding research projects into the ataxias will remain our first priority.
Our ultimate goal remains; to find a cure for the ataxias.
Ataxia UK, Lincoln House, Kennington Park1-3 Brixton Road London SW9 6DE, United Kingdom
© Ataxia UK 2005 Registered Charity Number 1102391
Website by fat beehive