"I am delighted to have been appointed as the chief executive of Tourettes Action.  I believe strongly that we can raise the understanding of Tourettes Syndrome leading to better diagnosis, treatment and understanding for people with TS.

Over the next few months I shall be working with the Trustees to set a strategy for the next three years, and I hope to meet as many members as possible.  It is important that we achieve the right balance between working with government and other statutory bodies to put TS firmly onto the agenda and supporting individuals with fellowship and peer support.

It is my intention to develop the website and add a member area where you can communicate with each other and us.  I am anxious that this is a secure site because as unfortunately several of the facebook sites are having problems with people who seem to take pleasure in offending as many people as possible.

We have some interesting projects starting, one funded by the Big Lottery with the University of Nottingham (‘Improving understanding of the psychosocial experiences of adolescents with Tourette Syndrome’), and we are currently into the final round for a Department of Health grant to produce definitive guidelines for the diagnosis and management of TS.

This year for the first time we shall be having a stand at the NASEN conference, THE event for special needs teachers and at the primary care conference, both of which will not only allow us to explain about Tourettes Action but also to promote the needs of children and adults with TS.

No doubt all you Big Brother fans will realise that there is another housemate with TS so we will have to keep our fingers crossed for him.

On a personal note I live in Surrey (which is currently like a skating rink) and have three grown up children and a seven year old grandson who is football crazy.

All of us here in the office would like to wish you and your family a happy New Year."