Recently our lives changed forever when we discovered that Huntington’s Disease was in our family.

Our sister’s Pauline and Joanne were diagnosed with this degenerative brain condition last year and it has turned their world and our world upside down.

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is caused by a faulty gene that damages the brain over time. If a parent has the HD gene, there is a 50% chance of each of their children developing the condition. It impacts entire families through generations as well as the individual. It drastically affects a person’s movement, cognition and mental health. There is no cure for HD at this time and no way to slow or stop the brain changes it causes.

In Scotland, there are around 800 people living with the symptoms of HD right now, and a further 3200 are estimated to be at risk of developing HD as a result of inheriting the faulty gene.

On 16 March 2024, we will be running in the Supernova 5K Kelpies event to raise awareness and funds for Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA). SHA is a fantastic charity which provides support to families impacted by Huntington’s. To give an idea of where the money raised goes to, £50 provides the opportunity for a young person to be taken out for coffee and to offer emotional support and respite from their caring responsibilities. £100 provides over two hours of specialist clinical support to patients who are losing the ability to walk, talk, swallow, make decisions or care for themselves.

We know that times are hard for everyone right now, but we would be so grateful for any donations that you can afford to give.

Thank you

Donna & Danielle