An afternoon polo event in support of a new Oxford branch of Ataxia UK is being held on Monday at Kirtlington Park. Ataxia is a distressing medical condition few will have heard of. No more would I have done, were it not for the fact that I have a close friend who suffers from it. She introduced me to others at a lively lunch a few weeks ago at The Bell, in Hampton Poyle.

Ataxia strikes people of all ages. It comes in various forms, none of which is as yet fully understood. The condition affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain that organises co-ordination — the ability to shut your eyes and put the tip of your index finger on the tip of your nose, for instance, or to put one foot in front of the other.

Where speech is concerned, the ability to put one word in a sequence with others is impaired. They come out jerkily and slurred. This is why some ‘Ataxians’ carry cards to say they are not drunk or drugged but are suffering from a neurological disorder.

Ataxia UK’s new branch aims to promote awareness of the condition, offer local support for people with and affected by ataxia and also help bring in much-needed funds for research.

Many of the various conditions are congenital. They are inherited through ‘rogue genes’. Research into molecular medicine (gene therapy) is progressing rapidly — but it is costly. There is a real chance, if things go well, that current sufferers can have hope of future treatment, and that their children and grandchildren will not fall victim to it.

Monday’s event begins at noon, with teams competing for the Oxfordshire Bowl. Admission is £5 per car. Take a picnic. There is a licensed bar.