BBC - Wales - Keeping Positive

Not giving in to Ataxia.

Alan has been diagnosed with ataxia, a degenerative disease which affects balance and co-ordination, but he's keeping active and won't let it ruin his life.

"I call the wheelchair I use when ever I am out of the house, my "Loamie".
At the moment I use a stick for very short distances, but "LOAMIE" takes me everywhere else.
Ataxia, is a rare neurological condition. It is degenerative with NO cure. I have been diagnosed with Cerebella Ataxia, which affects the balance and co-ordination, this was discovered when I was about 34, now at 40 my condition is a lot worse, but I feel more active "at heart".
My motto is to keep a positive outlook, and I try and do as much as I can.
Loamie and I have achieved a few things, together, such as: travelling on a train, going on a boat trip, and going to the cinema... and yesterday, lit a match - a simple task I haven't been able to do for ages.
I attend Coleshill Social Centre, Llanelli once a week to study a computer course called CLAIT. And have gained many certificates of progress. The use of a computer has made communicating with people a lot easier and I am an active member of many on-line message boards.
I use a tricycle, to keep as mobile as possible.
I use the train and Taxis, to go to places of interest. Mainly visiting the cinema, in Cardigan.
In January I went abroad for the first time, ever. Went to Lanzarote, with my family - it was brilliant, hoping to go again next year, on my own.
Things that I still have to achieve are going on a bus and going on a plane, but I will overcome these as soon as I can.
I do have bad days but I also have good days. And so much still to do. I am not going to let the illness control my life.
Ataxia ruins nerves, ruins lives, but not mine. Not yet."

Alan Thomas

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I live in Llanboidy, Carmarthenshire - out in the "sticks" - with my girlfriend, Dawn. I am 40, a retired electrician and wheelchair user because of a neurological disorder.

What's your story about?
The story is about being POSITIVE and NOT giving in to a disability. I told this story as this illness I suffer is very rare, and it needs more awareness.

What did you find most rewarding about the workshop?
The workshop was a huge benefit to me. I achieved a great deal in the workshop, both personally and educationally.

Comments

lena london
I also suffer form cerebella ataxia and I take my hat off to you alan you are brave and stong and a credit to all people with ataxia

Geoff Holt
I've been lucky enough to meet Alan several times and if weren't for his support for me and my sailing ambition last year, I think I would have given up. Thanks mate - you are a star.

Dr. David Rutledge, Lincolnton, NC USA
I am thankful to find out other people in the world have what I have (ataxia) I just lost my mother to it in November 2007. I am just looking and praying (I'm also a preacher) for a miracle cure. At the time of this message the UK is doing more recearch on this than the US I pray for all the victims.

Jane Roberts, Pwllheli
Great story, met Alan and his partner Dawn on holiday in Tunisia, what a wonderful couple, Alan is very positive and lives life to the full, being disabled and having to spend his life in a wheelchair has not stopped Alan enjoying himself, he is an inspiration to fellow disabled people. Hope to meet you again soon. Good luck for the future.

David Rogan, Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
I have just read Alan Thomas's story aabout Ataxia. I think it is very interesting and I think he is a determind kind of person with a lot of willpower and does not give in easily.

Chris Webb, Avon, England.
Great story! My daughter has ataxia and not many people know about it. It is good to make people aware of this condition.

Dawn Wooldridge, Basildon, Essex.
As a fellow suffer of ataxia, I think Alan portrayed a very positive picture of the condition which is often mis-understood and mis-diagnosed as so little is known about it. Thank you.

Alice & Tim, Hereford & Keighley, England.
Go Alan!

Patsy Riggs, Kesgrave, UK.
I thought the story was an inspiration to all who suffer setbacks to stay positive. It made me think of my own off days and how difficult it can be to overcome feelings of depression.

Melanie, Clynderwen
It made me think how brave Alan is and how we can all learn a lesson from his attitude to life. I know of Alan and I am friendly with his girlfriend, Dawn, and if there were more people like them in this world it really would be a better place. Thank you Alan for your story.

Colin Gerlach, Pembrokeshire.
Made me think of the ordinary/extra-ordinary people who touched my life for one never-to-be-forgotten week in Haverfordwest. Thanks to them and to all the team. Whatever was in those sandwiches, in the college? Never did work that out.

Larry Towell, Manila, Ar. USA.
Very good story. I am disabled as well. We can all benefit from his message. Stay positive. That is the key to survival with a disability. I believe it with all my heart.

M Gresham, Boerne, USA
This story was a wonderful reminder to appreciate what you have and what you can do. I liked the positive outlook and the never give up attitude

Keeping Positive

Not giving in to Ataxia.

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Keeping Positive

Not giving in to Ataxia.

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