Our brother and friend Keith David aged 59 continues to suffer with Huntington’s Disease which he has endured for 10 years. Huntington’s Disease is not curable and much further research and support is required.

Huntington's disease usually causes movement disorders. It also causes mental health conditions and trouble with thinking and planning. These conditions can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms. The first symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Some symptoms appear to be worse or have a greater effect on functional ability. These symptoms may change in severity throughout the course of the disease.

The movement disorders related to Huntington's disease may cause movements that can't be controlled, called chorea. Chorea are involuntary movements affecting all the muscles of the body, specifically the arms and legs, the face and the tongue. They also can affect the ability to make voluntary movements. Symptoms may include:

-Involuntary jerking or writhing movements

-Muscle rigidity or muscle contracture.

-Slow or unusual eye movements.

-Trouble walking or keeping posture and balance.

-Trouble with speech or swallowing (choking/aspiration)

As can be seen, the condition is horrific and is exhausting in its effects on Keith

Keith has previously worked in the coal mines of North Staffordshire and lived locally. He has been a free spirit and lovable soul all his life and has a group of friends who he has known since school days.

Since his diagnosis, Keith has continually been supported by these friends and his brothers and sisters. Keith now lives at Beechwood Apartments, Newcastle under Lyme (Supported living), where he receives 24-hour care.

The staff there are wonderful caring people who try to enable events/entertainment taking place and day trips to help to break episodes of loneliness for ALL residents at the location.

To enable support for the Huntington’s Disease Association (HDA) and the elderly tenants of Beechwood, Keith's now very much older school/work friends last year completed a 30-mile sponsored walk from Manifold Valley to Beechwood Apartments, Newcastle under Lyme – raising a total of £4,636.00.

This wonderful band of friends have now set themselves a fresh challenge to take place on Sunday 8th September 2024 in Snowdonia.

Their challenge being to climb to the top of Snowdon during the early hours of the night and descend the mountain towards dawn time. Then travel back to what was Berry Hill High School to continue the walk from there (ANYONE CAN JOIN AT THIS POINT) - to Beechwood Apartments where Keith lives. On route the boys will meet at The Polite Vicar pub where Keith will be pushed by them for the last half mile.

GOOD LUCK BOYS!

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