News and stories

All of the latest news and updates from Genetic Alliance UK can be found below. This includes the release of our latest reports and findings, as well as pieces that our member organisations have requested that we share.

 

We also share stories, images and experiences from those living with genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. Individuals affected by these conditions are at the heart of everything that we do and we want to champion these communities by amplifying their voices, individually and collectively. 

 

If you’d like to have your story included on our website then get in touch.

Sally Kidson’s Paralympic boccia journey

Date:

Sally is 19 years old and has Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2. She is a boccia player on the Boccia UK World Class Programme and making her Paralympic debut in Paris August 2024, before she starts university to study Music in September. In this blog Sally talks about her boccia journey to date and how people can get involved.

An open letter to the new Government:

Date:

Genetic Alliance UK have written an open letter to the new Government, calling for a renewed commitment to supporting people with genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions in the UK. 

Kelly and Avery

Date:

Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD) affected individuals, Kelly and Avery are making their voices heard. Together they hope to tackle misconceptions surrounding disability and give a loud voice to the, often forgotten, rare community.

Rory’s Story

Date:

During his newborn hearing tests, Rory didn't respond. After consenting to look into the cause of the hearing loss, Rory and his family went through years of tests and challenges, along with a rollercoaster of emotions before receiving the diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder called wolfram syndrome. This is Rory's story.

A girl sat in a wheelchair hold on to the hand of an adult woman with long straight hair. Between them sits a small toy bear that has 'naitbabies' written on it's small shirt.

Naitbabies

Date:

Thea founded Naitbabies in 2011 after her granddaughter was diagnosed with fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). She talks about her family's story and about the incredible work of the charity.

A young boy lying on is front. He props his head up and looks up to the sky looking to be in deep thought. A pumpkin made from material is sat next to him and he lies on a grey, knitted blanket.

Elijah’s story told by his mum, Lorena

Date:

After a year of unusual development traits and epilepsy, Elijah received the diagnosis of MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome. Elijah is now 4 years old and life still throws it's challenges for the family. This is their story so far.

A ‘Manifesto for rare diseases’ ahead of coming General Election

Date:

Genetic Alliance UK and the SHCA have come together ahead of the General Election to develop a joint manifesto for people with rare conditions. While they are individually rare, collectively rare conditions are common – 1 in 17 people are affected, equating to 3.5 million in the UK alone.

Autiemum and Max: Our rare story

Date:

Jazz is part of the SWAN UK community, SWAN stands for syndrome without a name, a condition so rare that it doesn't have a name. In this blog she talks about her having a son with an undiagnosed condition.

Rare conditions: The real people behind the stats

Date:

A rare condition is defined as one that affects fewer than one person in 2,000. But collectively, rare conditions are more common than you might imagine. 1 in 17 of the UK population will be affected at some point in their lives.

Scott and Jamie – Boccia UK

Date:

Scott, 32, and Jamie McCowan, 28, are brothers and live in Scotland. They both have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and they have both achieved incredible careers in the sport of boccia, travelling the world and competing at the Paralympic Games.