PANS, and its subtype PANDAS, are both caused by a misdirected immune response which results in an inflammation of a child’s brain.
This can cause children to suffer distressing personality changes and exhibit symptoms including anxiety, aggressive behaviour, depression, and insomnia.
The condition was recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2018, but is still not widely known in the UK.
Albie began campaigning to raise awareness when he was just eight years old, after seeing the impact it had on a family member.
“We are just a normal family who never asked to be in this position,” his mum Megan said.
“When Albie saw how much we were struggling, he stood up and started fighting for his family.
“He was only trying to help the people he loves, and somehow that has grown into a campaign that is now giving hope to families far beyond our own.”