Freya Shacklock

Freya, 19 years old, brings creativity & enthusiasm to her role at the London Pans Clinic & on a day to day basis. Living with PANS/PANDAS, she reminds us that, while the condition is part of her journey, it doesn’t define who she is. “I live with PANS/PANDAS, but I am so much more than the condition.”

Freya shares her home with two dogs: Buddy, a German Shepherd, and Sadie, a Whippet. “They couldn’t be more opposite! They wind each other up like siblings, which gives me endless laughter, especially on the harder days!” She shares how her two dogs can sense her symptoms and recognise them before she does, helping her get to safety. “A few years ago, Buddy especially, started to sense certain behaviours. He can now alert my parents if I am unable to and guide me to find a safe place.” Her family also plays a huge role in her wellbeing. “They never fail to make me smile and always know when I need support.”  

Clinic visits have always provided reassurance rather than stress for Freya. “Dr. Tim isn’t just an incredible doctor; he’s so down-to-earth and interacts amazingly with his patients.” Although a day out in London can be tiring, Freya says they were always worth it for the answers and support she was given. “I actually looked forward to my visits. I always left feeling hopeful and heard.”

“PANS/PANDAS can make me feel frustrated or sad at times- and that’s okay!” Freya shares honestly. “On the tough days, I remind myself it’s okay to have a bad day, week, or month. It doesn’t change who I am.”

When she needs peace, Freya turns to her imagination. “I close my eyes and picture Yosemite in California. It’s so green and calm. When I visited, I felt the most at peace I’ve ever been. Imagining it helps me find calm again. It’s so easy to do, I just set aside 5-10 minutes and find a quiet spot to help immerse myself.” In her spare time, Freya enjoys getting creative. “I’ve always either got a book or a paintbrush in my hand,” she explains. “Reading lets me escape into new worlds, and art helps me express myself.”

Recently, Freya achieved one of her biggest goals, securing a fellowship in London working for the very people who helped treat her in her youth. “Going through the interview process and facing my fears has been so rewarding. I really needed that push from Tim that I could prove I can do anything I set my mind to. My confidence grows every day, and I’m really proud of that.” Freya explains how she feels very grateful for this opportunity. “I sometimes can’t believe what I’m doing for work. It’s such a privilege to be giving back to patients who were in the same shoes I was in 10 years ago.”

To other young people living with PANS/PANDAS, Freya’s message is full of hope: “It takes so much courage and bravery to go through what you’re experiencing. You are super strong!” If she could talk to her younger self, she would say: “What’s going on in your brain will make sense one day, and you will get answers.” This is really reassuring to other Pandas going through the same experience. Freya shows that anyone can live their dream even while having PANS/PANDAS.