We're raising £1,500 for Huntington's Disease and the social welfare of Keith David and the residents of Beechwood, Newcastle under Lyme

As I am sure you are aware from previous appeals - Our brother and friend Keith David aged 60 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

As many of you will know, 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 lives at Beechwood Apartments, Newcastle under Lyme (Supported living), where he receives 24-hour care – though this is currently under threat from the Continuing Health Care (CHC) budget. A battle for which we will never give up.

The staff at Beechwood 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 Keith, the elderly tenants of Beechwood and the Huntington’s Disease Association (HDA), Keith's now very much older school/work friends will involve themselves in yet another challenge (Last year was Snowdonia in the early hours of the morning)!!

They are all now in their late 50’s/early 60’s where muscles and joints ache even more, however the lads are motivated to support their lifelong friend Keith ‘Taffy’ David

Funds raised last year have enabled entertainments/performers and purchase of much needed items such as large television, bingo equipment to enable the community of Beechwood to socialise and be part of wider groups and friendships. Notwithstanding a contribution to the Huntington’s Disease Association

This wonderful band of friends have now set themselves a fresh challenge to take place on Sunday 12th October 2025.

This will be to walk the whole course of what used to be the full Potteries Marathon circa 1985-1990. Starting at Trentham Gardens – Finishing at Trentham Gardens, with the route all over Stoke on Trent/Newcastle under Lyme.

Anyone wishing to join the lads can do so!!

During the journey the lads will travel past Beechwood where Keith will be supporting them, hopefully with many others by his and their side.

The lads will then return to Beechwood where they will be welcomed with love and rapturous applause along with food and drink.

Your kindness in previous years has meant a lot to the team. We know these are difficult times for all. If you are able to, please donate to aid this worthy cause.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, I will withdraw funds directly. It's the most efficient way to donate and saves time and costs.