Latest update:

I made it to Uhuru peak! Thank you to all those who helped raise £4038 for the Huntington's Disease Association.  I couldn't have done it without your support. 

In October 2009 I successfully climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to help raise funds for the Huntington's Disease Association and raise general awareness of Huntington's Disease (HD).

Unfortunately Huntington's Disease is traceable through my mother's side of the family. My mother was formally diagnosed with HD about 6 years ago and is now cared for by my father. My mum used to be an avid fundraiser for the HDA through a local group called 'combat' , when her mother was diagnosed with Huntington's chorea (as it was called at that time). She organised many successful Barn Dances and fete stalls over the years. I would like to continue her good efforts and this challenge will help me to do that.

About HD

HD is a familial disease, passed from parent to child through a mutation on chromosome 4. Each child of an HD parent has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the HD gene which causes programmed degeneration of brain cells and results in emotional disturbance, loss of intellectual faculties (dementia) and uncontrolled movements. Most people with HD develop the symptoms between the ages of 30-55 yrs but in some people onset occurs in infancy or old age. The average survival time after onset is approximately fifteen to twenty years.  At this time, there is no cure for HD, however studies show that exercise, a healthy diet and a positive outlook (the HD triad) may help delay/slow down onset of symptoms. 

For more information on Huntington's Disease, see the Huntington's Disease Association website at HDA or the Huntington's Disease Lighthouse at Huntington's Disease Lighthouse

The most famous person affected by HD to date is the late American singer-songwriter and folk musician, Woody Guthrie (1912 -1967). I have gained inspiration reading about his life and work. For more information about Woody, see Woody Guthrie or Wikipedia - Woody Guthrie

Thank you to all those who have helped me succeed in this challenge. 

Diana Bronkhorst