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Date:  10 April 2008

Jewish Care runs Tay-Sachs screening at Immanuel College

More than 30 sixth form pupils at Immanuel College were tested for Tay-Sachs, a fatal inherited genetic disease for which there is no cure. The condition is more prevalent in the Jewish community where it is estimated that one in every 25 people is a carrier.

Tay-Sachs organiser Jess Clare, a Jewish Care volunteer, arranged the session at the school in Elstree Road, Bushey. She said: “I am delighted that these pupils have taken the initiative to be screened. It is a vital test as babies who are born with Tay-Sachs will not live past the age of four. By taking blood samples we can identify carriers and prevent future tragedy – I would urge all young people to come forward and be tested.”

Mrs Clare went on to explain that both parents needed to be carriers for a child to be affected so it was preferable for all young people to be aware of this and get tested years before they might become parents themselves. She said the blood samples had gone to Guy’s Hospital for analysis and the results would be sent to their GPs in around six weeks’ time.

Those tested included Sammy Jo Altman, 17, who said: “I learned about Tay-Sachs in biology and thought it was a good idea to get tested.” Richard Donne, also 17, “I didn’t know very much about Tay-Sachs until the school gave us a letter. I think that everyone should be tested, just in case.”

Also present, Tay-Sachs consultant Dr Philip Koch and his wife had lost two daughters to the disease some years ago, prompting him to get involved with researching the condition and come up with a test. He said: “I feel we have achieved something today, but there is much more work to
be done.”

Philip Skelker, head master at Immanuel College, said: “Thanks to Jewish Care we are able to offer our students a chance to be tested for Tay-Sachs, a condition that all young [Jewish] people need to be aware of. The session was part of the College’s programme preparing Sixth Form students for life beyond school.”

For information on Tay-Sachs, call Jess Clare on 07890 611119