A STUDENT from Kidlington has thanked an Oxford film-maker for shining the spotlight on her rare condition.

Sharon Woodward has made a short film called People Like Me, which features Amy Cooper, 24, who has the life-limiting condition Ataxia-Telangiectasia.

The progressive genetic condition, which causes severe disability, is the subject of Ms Woodward's 10-minute film, which was aired on The Community Channel UK on Wednesday via Virgin and Sky and a number of Freeview channels.

It will also be shown today, Monday and Wednesday.

Miss Cooper, a former pupil of Gosford Hill School, who is studying for a degree in health and social care in Swansea, said she was delighted Ms Woodward has made the film about people with the condition, and was happy to feature in it.

In the short film she is seen at a pizza making session.

She said: "Hopefully the film will make more people aware of the A-T Society which is trying to raise funds so one day there can be a cure.

"Not many people have heard of A-T because it is so rare so hopefully more people will know about it after seeing the film.

"I enjoyed making the film - it was really good fun.

"When I have finished my degree I would like to be a social worker and work with children.

"Perhaps there will be a cure for A-T but I have learned to cope and manage it - I have accepted what I can and can not do."

Miss Cooper said her hobbies including listening to music, watching TV, making crafts and going swimming.

Her mum Navraj, who went with her to the filming, welcomed the support her family has received from the A-T Society.

She added: "Over the years the society has been very supportive.

"I'm delighted Sharon has decided to make this film because it will bring more focus on the work of the society so they can attract funding for research into finding a cure.

"Amy's speech and mobility has been affected by A-T but she tries to live her life as normally as she can."

A-T is so rare that it affects about four in every million children - there is currently no cure.

Ms Woodward's films have ranged from documentaries on ancient mirrors to films on rare degenerative diseases.

The Headington resident earlier picked up an award for her work on More Than Just A Mirror, a short documentary with The Oxfordshire Museum about an Iron Age bronze mirror dug up in Didcot.

The mirror was found by a metal detectorist in a field near Didcot in 2006.

Ms Woodward added: "People Like Me was backed by Pizza Hut and cost about £3,000 to make.

"It focuses on three different young people including Amy on what it is like to live with A-T.

"I was really impressed with the way Amy just gets on with her life and is now studying at university."

For further information visit atsociety.org.uk