A patient with Friedreich's Ataxia has ascended Mount Kilimanjaro with the help of a BRC-supported researcher and UCLH staff.
Dr Paola Giunti enlisted specialist colleagues to mastermind the expedition and their efforts gave 27-year-old Iain Fryatt the best chance of becoming the first person with Friedreich's Ataxia – a rare and life-limiting genetic disease which has no treatment or cure – to reach the 5,895 metre summit.
Dr Giunti, a consultant at the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery (NHNN), said: “We were over the moon to hear that he reached the top safely and achieved what he set out to do. It is our mission to give all our patients the opportunity to live a life that is as full and independent as possible – and to help them fulfil their dreams. We take pride in our holistic approach backed up by robust and scientific research.”
Dr Giunti arranged consultations with uro-neurology expert Dr Jalesh Panicker, cardiology expert Dr Antonis Pantazis and speech and language therapists from the Ataxia Centre. Professor Hugh Montgomery, an expert on the effects of high altitude on clinical conditions, was also consulted, and mountain medic Dr Nick Haslam made sure that Iain was healthy enough to face the challenge.
Iain’s dad Graham Fryatt praised Dr Giunti and the Ataxia team. Graham said: “The adventure has changed Iain completely and it has given him so much confidence. He now realises that if he really wants to do something, there are few limits. I would like you to pass on my thanks and gratitude, the team have helped set Iain back on the path towards rehabilitation and assisted him in living life to his full potential”.
Clinical research is a key part of the work carried out at the Ataxia Centre at NHNN, which also offers a fully integrated service encompassing clinical research and assessment, diagnosis, molecular genetic testing and counselling for ataxia. Friedreich's Ataxia causes nervous system damage, speech and movement problems which worsen over time.
To read more about Dr Giunti‘s research into Friedreich's Ataxia click here.
