STARS SIGN UP FOR KIDS
MICHAEL SHEEN is among a host of celebrities who are lending their support to helping Welsh kids with Tourette’s. The Newport-born and Port Talbotraised actor is one of many who’ve signed a petition calling for better provisions in dealing with the painful and debilitating syndrome which affects one in 100 children.
But despite being anything but rare, Wales currently has no specialist who deals with children suffering with the problem, with only one available for adults.
And, for some, the condition – which manifests itself as a series of involuntary and repetitive physical and vocal tics – is so bad that some sufferers end up hurting themselves, with one 12-yearold in Pembrokeshire even hitting herself in the head hundreds of times a day. “This (Tourette’s) has all too often been seen as something ‘funny’,” tweeted Sheen earlier this month, the 52-year-old having previously played a man blighted with Tourette’s and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the 2004 TV film Dirty Filthy Love.
“But it is heartbreaking to see how hard it can be to cope with, especially for children. Please consider signing.” Replying to one mum whose 10-yearold daughter suffers with neck tics so violent she has to take painkillers daily,
Sheen added, “It is absolutely heartbreaking to see your beautiful Emily in such distress like that.
“Please let me know what I can do to help. And though she won’t know me please give her all my love.”
Among those who’ve pledged their support are rugby stars Jonathan Davies, Nigel Owens, Scott Quinell and Rupert Moon, actor Steve Spiers and DIY TV star Nick Knowles.
The petition, which drives home the message that Tourette’s isn’t just swearing, states: “The support throughout the UK is nothing far from shocking.
“Not getting a diagnosis or the correct support at such an important age can lead to lifelong behavioural and mental health issues which could be alleviated by having the right support from the start.
“If more funding was given to create more specialist Tourette’s centres this would help many families who are currently struggling. More research would ultimately give more answers.”
To sign the petition, visit https:// petitions.senedd.wales/ petitions/244922