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.

Dylan’s story

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Dylan lives with TBR1 related disorder, a condition which means he will need support for the rest of his life. His mum, Jemma, talks about the challenges and worries of having a child with a rare condition but also the joys it can bring.

An open letter to the new Government:

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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. 

Scott and Jamie – Boccia UK

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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.

Liz’s NF1 story – This is the real me

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For Rare Disease Day, Nerve Tumours UK are raising awareness by focusing on stories that highlight the impact of NF (the group name for Neurofibromatosis Type 1, NF2-related-Schwannomatosis and Schwannomatosis) every day. They want to #MakeNFVisible. This is Liz's story.

Jane’s story

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Over 2 pregnancies, Jane lost 5 inches in height due to the rare condition, Pregnancy-and-Lactation Osteoporosis. It took years to diagnose and there wasn't much support until she found a group on Facebook. Read Jane's story below.

Violet’s story

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From her birth in 2022, Violet had many tests done. In 2023 she was diagnosed with TBCK syndrome. Violet's case was presenting as severe and life limiting. At 11 months old, she passed away. This is her story.

The Big Sunflower Project

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The Big Sunflower Project aims to raise awareness of the rare neuromuscular conditions known as centronuclear and myotubular myopathy by asking people to grow a sunflower and share their sunflower photos online. The project was established in 2011 after founder Toni Abram and her father Mike were diagnosed with centronuclear myopathy.

Me and My ITP

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Anthony was diagnosed with ITP in July 2006. In 2024 he realised that the rare auto immune disorder has taken up 28 per cent of his life.

Apparently it was all in my head

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Tammy went through lots of tests and people telling her that symptoms were psychological before she finally got her diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.