A mum from Cheshire says she was devastated after finding out her teenage son had a rare genetic disorder which will see him on medication for the rest of his life. Emma Mottershead, from Hunsterson, said son Reuben, 16, was diagnosed with Gitelman Syndrome in April last year.
It’s a life changing kidney disorder that causes muscle spasms and weakness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting - due to an imbalance in ions in the body, like potassium and calcium. The once active teen now takes almost 50 tablets a day to balance and maintain these ions, and had to give up his favourite hobby of cycling, after the physical effects of riding a pedal bike became too much.
Emma says the teen has been given ‘a new lease of life’ as he was gifted an electric bike with pedal-assisted power - so he no longer has to miss out on doing something he loves with friends. Reuben was able to get the bike due to the Free Ride to Recovery Initiative set up by electric bike retailer Avaris eBikes.
