A young footballer from Birmingham who represents Aston Villa's disability squad is confronting an uncertain future after being diagnosed with a rare and life-limiting medical condition that remains largely unknown to the public.
George's Diagnosis and Daily Challenges
George Merryweather, aged ten, received a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease two years ago. This genetic disorder occurs when the mitochondria – the energy producers within cells – malfunction, leading to energy shortages that particularly impact high-energy organs such as the brain, heart, muscles, and liver.
For George, this has already manifested as muscle fatigue, weakness, and a smaller stature than his peers. The full severity of how the condition will affect him in the coming years remains unknown, creating what his family describes as a profoundly frightening and uncertain time.
Family Life Amid Uncertainty
George's mother, Claire, from whom he inherited the condition, shared the emotional toll on the family. "So far it's meant doctors still aren't sure how Mito could impact him in the future. We face a very uncertain time over the coming years," she explained. "As the condition is life limiting and we don't know how bad George will be affected in the future, it's very scary not knowing."
Despite these challenges, George maintains a positive spirit. He plays in midfield for the Aston Villa Under 12s disability football team and enjoys fishing trips with his father, Greg. The family, which includes George's sisters Matilda (eight) and Daisy (three), is focusing on creating joyful memories together. "What we plan for 2026 is to get out more camping, fishing and enjoying life," Claire said. "It's been hard as a family and we just want to enjoy time together and have lots of fun."
Understanding Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondrial disease affects approximately one in 5,000 people, making it one of the most common genetic disorders – with prevalence similar to cystic fibrosis and motor neurone disease. Yet it receives significantly less public awareness than these better-known conditions.
Claire's own journey with the disease began in childhood when she experienced eyesight issues at age seven, followed by diagnoses of deafness and diabetes during her secondary school years. Her diabetes consultant eventually suggested testing for mitochondrial disease, leading to her diagnosis of Maternally Inherited Diabetes and Deafness. Genetic testing revealed that 98% of George's genes are affected by the condition.
It remains unknown whether George's sisters have inherited Mito, though they haven't shown noticeable symptoms yet.
The Awareness Challenge and Support Networks
The Merryweather family has faced the additional challenge of explaining mitochondrial disease to medical professionals and loved ones alike. "We've had to explain mitochondrial disease to so many doctors and we've been trying to raise awareness among our own friends and family, but it's difficult to explain," Claire noted. "George himself has understandably asked us hundreds of questions and there's so much we just don't know."
Support from charities like My Mito Mission has been invaluable. This unique organisation, based in Elland near Halifax in West Yorkshire, provides awareness, support, research, and fundraising while enabling families across the country to establish their own Mito Missions to raise local awareness.
Giving Back Through Fishing
George and his father Greg have found a meaningful way to help others through their shared passion for fishing. After losing equipment in a fire several years ago, they received donations from kind individuals and businesses that allowed them to resume their hobby.
Inspired by this generosity, George initiated a project to assist other children. "George felt great about this and it really helped him mentally and socially, so George had the idea to help other kids with bits of fishing gear and bait," Greg explained. They now distribute donated bait from Carplife Competitions and additional purchased items to young anglers, using these moments to raise awareness about mitochondrial disease.
Broader Medical Significance
Medical experts emphasize that mitochondrial dysfunction research could benefit millions worldwide, as it intersects with numerous common conditions. Professor Volkmar Weissig, president of the World Mitochondrial Society, stated: "It's now widely accepted there hardly exists any human disease which does not involve mitochondrial malfunction in some way."
The condition is known to be a factor in autism, cancer, obesity, hepatitis, dementia, diabetes, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, heart disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, sepsis, and stroke. Campaigners argue that increased awareness and research into mitochondrial disease could therefore have far-reaching implications for global health.
As the Merryweather family navigates their uncertain journey, their story highlights both the personal challenges of living with a rare condition and the broader need for greater public understanding of mitochondrial disorders.
