SURFER'S CHALLENGE: Champion surfer Alan Reed in action and inset. He has now launched a campaign to raise awareness of the rare brain disorder, ataxia. Main picture by Roger Powely.
A CHAMPION surfer with a rare degenerative condition hopes to raise awareness and help others who may be affected.
For 25 years, Alan Reed has enjoyed a successful surf career that has seen him scoop numerous titles and he is still the UK South Coast longboard champion.
But, in 2004, he was dealt a devastating blow when he was diagnosed with the rare brain disorder, ataxia.
The condition, which affects around one in 20,000 people, will eventually destroy part of his cerebellum, affecting his speech, balance, strength and co-ordination.
“Some types of ataxia are hereditary and my mum also has it. She was one of the first people to be diagnosed with it in 1980. They told her there were only three other people in the world with it at the time.
“When I found out I had ataxia, I was able to do a lot of research on the web but there was no support around. The nearest group was in Chichester.
“I wrote a letter to the County Press and organised a meeting at a pub. I was sitting there with my mum and then four other people turned up,” said Alan, 38, who is a full-time carer for his wife, who suffers from chronic pancreatitis.
The result was the creation of an Isle of Wight support group, which, on October 3, met with counterparts from Hampshire for an open day at the Riverside Centre, Newport.
“The centre gave us the room, a buffet and paid for travel to and from the ferries. They were very supportive,” said Alan, of Hazeley Coombe, Arreton.
• Anyone interested in joining or supporting the group can contact Ataxia UK on 0207 582 1444 or e-mail enquiries@ataxia.org.uk.