Raised: 115%
Target: £3,500.00
Raised so far: £4,038.00
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My story

 

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

Very proud of you coz, here's wishing you every success Donation by Gillian Conway 13/10/09  

£10.00

Good luck Diana. good cause. All the best. Donation by Sim Dhillon 11/10/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Best of luck with the climb. It is great that you are doing this. We'll be thinking of you. Donation by Gail and Gregor 07/10/09  

I'm so impressed - it's going to be amazing - just don't forget the compeed! xx Donation by Sarah Fry 01/10/09  

For an excellent cause. From Sam & Grant @ DR Newitt Donation by D R Newitt Recruitment 02/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Every success. Enjoy the experience Donation by Lawrence Nixon 26/08/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Diana, I'm just so thrilled to hear what you will be doing this October. Way to go! I wish I could go with you to Kilimanjaro. Good luck!!! Donation by Greg Godbeer 24/08/09  

Good luck and no paragliding is far easier - its down hill all the way! Donation by Brian Walton 21/08/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Just to help you get to your total more quickly - and reach the top. Go for it! Donation by Carol Stevens 17/08/09  

Well impressed with the whole idea., we're with you all the way. Its challenges a go-go in 2009! Lots love Rachel XX Donation by Rachel Phoenix 02/08/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck!!! Donation by Sharon Anderson 14/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Don't forget your Gel feet, pop them in your hiking boots. Best Wishes Donation by Lisa Floris 13/07/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good Luck with your Challenge !!!! Donation by Sarah Matthews 10/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

A great cause Donation by Gary Miles 21/05/09  

£25.00

Brilliant Diana, good for you! Donation by karen miles 18/05/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

go all the way! Donation by Dennis the Menace 07/05/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

I like your style! Donation by Phil & Jill Nixon 05/05/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Honourable, Good Luck, Respect to you for doing this. Donation by julian saunders 05/05/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Mark Pugh 28/04/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £1,210.00
  Offline donations: £2,828.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £218.59

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