Raising awareness of Huntington’s Disease

Thames House nursing home auction evening for the Huntington’s Disease Association

Thames House nursing home in Rochdale held an auction evening at the Flying Horse Hotel to raise money and awareness for the Huntington’s Disease Association (H.D.A.).

With items donated from well-known football and rugby clubs, (Wigan Warriors, Bolton Wanderers, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Celtic, A J Bell Stadium, St Helen’s), Swarski, Beaverbrooks, as well as contributions from staff and relatives that included a coffee morning organised by one of the relatives, the auction took place, raised £2,100 for the HDA.

Huntington’s Disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disease. It is hereditary, with each child of an affected parent at 50% risk of inheriting the faulty gene. The duration of the disease and life expectancy varies between 10 and 20 years, and the age of onset is typically between 30 and 45, and currently there is no cure. It is a shattering illness that affects generations of families.

The individual will experience a mental decline, coupled with involuntary movements that can become quite severe. As the disease progresses, movement, balance and coordination are affected and a deterioration in muscles leads to difficulties in chewing, swallowing food and dangerous weight loss. An individual’s cognitive ability worsens leading to dementia. It is a challenging terminal illness that requires specialist care and support as the disease is so complex.

The HDA was established in 1971 as a specialist service to help people and families seriously affected by Huntington’s Disease. It is a national charity, raising awareness of Huntington’s Disease with the general public and allied health and social care professionals.