Mum Fights for Son's Million-Pound Dementia Treatment

A mother from Swansea is campaigning to raise £1.5 million for a potentially life-changing gene therapy treatment in the United States for her five-year-old son, Tate. Tate was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome in September, a rare and severe neurodegenerative disorder also known as childhood Alzheimer's. This condition means children gradually lose learned skills, impacting their ability to walk, eat, and move independently.

The treatment Tammy McDaid is fundraising for is a breakthrough gene technology currently awaiting approval in the US, with hopes for clearance by September 2026. If approved, it would be the first available treatment for this rare paediatric disease. While it does not reverse existing symptoms, it is designed to prevent further cognitive decline, a critical factor for Tate, who has not yet shown such signs but is at risk if untreated.

Tammy's efforts are now focused on fundraising, as she was unable to secure a place in clinical trials due to a delay in Tate's diagnosis. The cost of the treatment is estimated to range between £1.5 million and £3 million. She expresses her determination to secure the funds, stating her desire to preserve Tate's energetic nature and allow her to look towards their future with hope.