Harpenden Rugby Club has named The AT Society as its charity of the year for 2024/2025.

The small Harpenden-based charity seeks to raise money and awareness of the rare, degenerative condition Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT). The condition affects the part of the brain that controls motor movement. 

Children and young adults with AT are particularly prone to developing leukaemia and other cancers. It is quite unusual for a person with AT to live beyond 26 years of age.

One in 250 people carry the AT gene and there is currently no cure.

The charity partnership during the upcoming season will provide plenty of opportunity for fundraising, as the club enters its 54th year. Its rich history has produced professional players at national and international level.

Susie Norbury, director of fundraising and operations for the charity, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been selected as Harpenden Rugby Club’s Charity of the Year.

"The partnership will have a huge impact for The AT Society, enabling us to support more families who have a child with the life-limiting, disabling condition, AT.

"We have already received a great response from members of the club and we can’t wait for the partnership to start."