A MAN has called for better awareness of Tourette's after his tics were mistaken for Covid. 

Chris Hemmings from Evesham suffers from Tourette's, a condition that affects more than 300,000 people in the UK.

In his case it leads to him coughing and blowing his nose. 

Because of his condition he has suffered a series of abuse from people swearing to throwing things at him, including on a bus to Worcester last week as he travelled to a medical appointment. 

On the bus, which he is forced to take because his condition stops him from driving, passengers allegedly covered their faces and swore at Mr Hemmings, mistaking his condition for Covid symptoms. 

Mr Hemmings said: "I take the bus to Worcester maybe once a week but abuse doesn't just happen on the bus. 

"I've had things thrown at me in Evesham, I've been abused and assaulted. 

"I'm just trying to raise awareness because people assume I've got Covid, I try to explain but most people just don't understand. 

"I feel isolated, segregated and very much like a second-class citizen."

Tourette's is a neurological disorder that can cause sudden unwanted and uncontrolled movements or vocal sounds called tics.

Mr Hemmings continued: "I think some of it has a bit to do with ignorance, people see the runny nose and a cough and they think Covid. 

"I don't want people to be scared but it's something I have to live with and abuse has definitely gotten worse since the pandemic.

"I'm upset because I don't feel like an average person. 

"I want people to be more aware, I'd rather them just ask than make presumptions. 

"I'm going to start wearing my lanyard but I shouldn't have to. 

"Incidents like the one on the bus make me think twice about leaving the house which scares me. 

"Whether I'm on a bus, train, or on holiday people stare at me and they might not think I notice but I'm always aware."

Emma McNally, CEO at Tourettes Action said: "Tourette syndrome still remains one of the most misunderstood conditions out there.

"While many people are aware of it, they often harbour significant misconceptions, believing it to be rare, humorous, or that everyone with the condition uncontrollably shouts obscenities—none of which are true.

"In fact, Tourette's affects 1 in 100 school-aged children, with over 300,000 individuals diagnosed in the UK.

"For some, it can be a profoundly debilitating and challenging condition to manage.

"Sadly, many with Tourette’s face discrimination and experience feelings of isolation.

"At Tourettes Action, we are committed to raising awareness and eliminating the stigma that still surrounds Tourette's.

"By sharing personal stories and engaging in open conversations, we aim to change public perceptions and foster a society where Tourette's is fully accepted to hopefully reduce the isolation that many in the community feel."