Student Evie speaks in Parliament about rare condition

We are proud of our Travel and Tourism student Evie Prior, who recently spoke in Parliament about her experience of living with a rare autoimmune condition – supporting a national campaign for better support for children and young people. 

Evie was invited to attend a roundtable event organised by PANS PANDAS UK, where she joined other young people, families and campaigners in speaking directly to MPs about the impact of the condition. 

Evie lives with Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), a rare condition that she developed as a young child. Since then, she has faced a number of challenges, but has used her experiences to become a passionate advocate for greater awareness and understanding. 

At the event, Evie delivered a presentation about her journey with PANDAS before taking part in a question-and-answer session with other members of the charity’s youth board. The discussion was held ahead of a parliamentary debate on the condition and could help inform future guidance and training for healthcare and education professionals. 

Evie said: “Having been through so much and to then be heard at the highest level by MPs in Parliament was truly empowering. 

“I hope that speaking up about my experience means that younger children get the help and diagnosis they need quickly.” 

Alongside her studies at Barnsley College, Evie has turned her experiences into something positive, using her love of planning and organisation to launch her own Disney-themed travel business. 

Her visit to Parliament is just the latest example of her determination to make a difference, using her voice to support others and ensure more people understand the realities of living with a rare condition.