Nick van Bloss

Nick van Bloss (born in London, 1967) is a British Classical pianist and author who has Tourette syndrome.

Van Bloss grew up in London and, at the age of 7, suddenly developed horrendous bodily and vocal tics. Far from being a 'passing phase' the tics didn't subside: they became more aggressive. Nick was taken from doctor to doctor in the hope of an explanation as to what was causing his uncontrollable movements, but the medical profession failed to find any medical explanation. It was suggested that his behaviour was 'attention seeking'.

School life became a a harrowing experience for Nick as he entered secondary school in London. He was bullied and mimicked for having explosive tics and his life became a misery. His home life was laced with tragedy - his brother was a heroin addict who committed suicide when Nick was 15. Nick never felt able to confide in his parents and tell them how terrified he was by the bullying he was enduring because he considered that they had enough problems in dealing with his brother's heroin problem.