WAGR Weekend UK 2025 was held in beautiful Arundel, United Kingdom. It was hosted by the Colhoun Family, parents Michelle and Aaron along with their children Grace and AJ. Thirty WAGR families from 8 countries came together for a weekend of sharing, connecting, learning, and fun. An amazing team of volunteers helped make the event fun for all attendees.
After registering with the IWSA and checking into the hotel, everyone was treated to a patio-side barbecue dinner on Friday evening. After dinner Moms gathered to share stories and support each other. Saturday morning started with the Dad’s Breakfast.
The Saturday Family Meeting, moderated by IWSA Board Chair and WAGR dad John Morris, featured several speakers presenting on a variety of topics related to the IWSA and WAGR syndrome, including
IWSA Organization Update by Shari Krantz, IWSA Executive Director
The “I” in IWSA and WAGR Awareness 2025 by Linda van de Sande, IWSA Board Member, Belgian and European Representative
WAGR Spectrum Research Report by Kelly Trout, IWSA Board Member and Director of Research and Medical Advocacy
WAGR syndrome: Genetic diagnosis, ocular implications and management by Professor Mariya Moosajee, Moorfield’s Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
Understanding WAGR syndrome: a Neurodevelopment Perspective by Dr Ngozi Oluoyne, Moorfield’s Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
After the meeting, there was free time to rest, swim, play football, and visit with other families. The Saturday evening activity was held seaside with perfect weather at The Beach restaurant. Everyone was treated to a delicious dinner followed by music provided by a DJ. Dancing was not mandatory but many attendees, parents and kids alike, joined the fun and danced together to the music!
On Sunday, a number of families participated in a mini session on physical and mental health led by Aaron Colhoun and daughter Grace. Then a group of families met up at Harbour Park to enjoy the beautiful weather, and amusements and arcades.
Our thanks to the Colhoun Family for their amazing fundraising efforts and for planning a memorable weekend for all attendees! Special thanks to their team of family members and volunteers who made it possible for parents to attend the Saturday Family Meeting and also relax and socialize with others who understand their challenges.
The next European WAGR Weekend will be held in 2027 in Norway hosted by Andrea Daehli and Simen Andresen.
Additional information on the conference, including the presentation summaries and recordings, can be found here
