Members of local support group for people living with an incurable disease put their best foot forward and raised £2200 for their cause.
Around 20 walkers, members of the Renfrewshire Huntington’s Disease Support Group and their friends, raised the cash on a recent Walk of Hope along the banks of the Clyde at Erskine.
The money will be donated to the Paisley based Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA), the only charity in the country supporting families living with Huntington’s disease (HD)
HD is a hereditary progressive condition that causes changes to muscle control, thinking processes and can cause long-term mental health issues. The average age of onset is between 33 and 45 and those living with the condition will require 24 hour care as it progresses into its later stages. Each child of someone diagnosed with HD is at 50% risk of developing the condition themselves. There is no cure.
The walk was organised by Margaret Moncrieff from Houston.
“My sister was diagnosed with the condition nine years ago. It seems that my mother must have had the condition and therefore I had a 50% risk of inheriting the faulty gene. As it happens I have been fortunate enough to learn that I do not have the condition but I think my brother was not so lucky; he died without being diagnosed with the condition. So, I try and do all I can do help the SHA who do such brilliant work to support HD families,” said Margaret.
“Big thanks are due to all who supported us, including the ladies of the Erskine Keep-fit class and the staff of Walker Laird, Solicitors in Paisley. The funds will help the SHA to continue to provide a comprehensive support and advisory service to HD families.”
The support group meets once a month at Accord Hospice in Paisley and is always looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining Margaret should contact the Scottish Huntington’s Association on 0141 848 0308.