22 October 2012 For immediate release

Justice for Daniel Roque Hall

This week Ataxia UK will join a vigil at the Ministry of Justice to present a petition in support of Ataxia UK Friend, Daniel Roque Hall. Daniel, 30, has advanced Friedreichs ataxia, and needs a high level of 24-hour care. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison in June, and sent to Wormwood Scrubs in July, following assurances from the prison that they can meet his complex healthcare needs. However, within weeks of commencing his sentence Daniels health had deteriorated to the point of requiring emergency admission to hospital intensive care and being placed on a ventilator. Ataxia means lack of order and is the term given to a group of neurological conditions that affect balance, coordination and speech. In some cases, people get the symptoms of ataxia for short periods of time and then recover. In many cases ataxia is permanent, progressive (ie the symptoms get worse over time) and life-limiting. For most ataxias, there is no cure. Ataxia UK is the national charity that supports everyone affected by ataxia. One of Ataxia UKs primary concerns is to ensure that all people who have this condition are able to access the best possible level of care and services, and we believe that Daniels requirements are likely to be best catered for somewhere other than Wormwood Scrubs. Sue Millman, Chief Executive of Ataxia UK said: Daniel was given a 3 year custodial term not a death sentence. Ataxia UK supports the aim of Daniels family to ensure that he serves the remainder of his sentence without further compromise to his health or wellbeing. Ataxia UK will be joining the vigil at the Ministry of Justice, at 1pm, this Thursday 25 October, when the petition (www.gopetition.com/petitions/justice-for-daniel-roque-hall.html) will be presented.
Notes to Editors: More than 10,000 adults in the UK have ataxia. The number of children and young people with ataxia under the age of 18 is estimated to be up to 2,500. People of any age may be affected, from babies to adults. Many forms of ataxia are inherited. There is currently no cure for most ataxias, and little that can be done to relieve symptoms. The most common symptoms are a staggering gait, balance problems, loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, trouble with swallowing and double or blurred vision. Some types of ataxia also damage the heart. Symptoms may lead to total physical dependency. Ataxia UK (www.ataxia.org.uk) is a registered charity providing services and support for people with ataxia, their families, friends and carers. We fund world-class research to develop safe, effective treatments. Ataxia UK has set itself the bold target of a cure for one or all of the ataxias by the year 2020. For information about the national 2020 Vision campaign see 11-year-old Millie Mae spearheads new campaign for ataxia cure.pdf Ataxia UK Helpline: 0845 644 0606 For press enquiries, contact Ade Deane-Pratt or Izabela Seabrook on 020 7582 1444 or communications@ataxia.org.uk