Friedreich's Ataxia is a rare, inherited, neurological disease that causes progressive nervous system damage and movement problems. People with this condition inevitably end up in a wheelchair, and usually face a shorter life expectancy. It also comes with numerous other health issues which can include heart problems, diabetes, impaired vision and speech as well as accelerated muscular degeneration. It usually begins in childhood and leads to impaired muscle coordination (ataxia).

We are aiming to improve the life quality of Ataxia patients through a targeted exercise regime. Exercise has the potential to counteract one of the underlying causes of Ataxia (mitochondrial dysfunction), and we believe rowing - an intense whole body sport requiring a high degree of motor coordination - to be particularly effective. Georg used to be a formidable rower in his youth, which may have delayed the onset of his Ataxia. Since he started rowing again, his symptoms have improved greatly.