Families in the Highlands who are living with Huntington’s disease hit Inverness city centre for a five-hour dance party to a live DJ set of 100 hits to raise awareness about the rare condition.
Amongst those taking part in Dance 100 at Falcon Square on Saturday 7 September were people with the disease and those who are at risk of developing the hereditary condition.
There were also carers, family members of all ages, supporters, a Highland pipe band, local dance schools, and members of the public who joined in the fun.
The sponsored danceathon, organised by local families in partnership with Scottish Huntington’s Association, raised more than £14,000 to help deliver specialist services and support.
Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition which damages the brain.
Over time it can leave people unable to walk, talk, eat, drink, or care for themselves.
In addition to severe physical symptoms, the condition also changes thinking processes, leads to early onset dementia and can cause serious mental illness.
Each child of a parent with Huntington’s disease is at 50/50 risk of also developing the disease.
Scottish Huntington’s Association is the only organisation in the country dedicated exclusively to the care and support of people impacted by Huntington’s disease.
This includes personalised support for families in the Highlands from a local Scottish Huntington’s Association Huntington’s Disease Specialist and a Specialist Youth Advisor.
Scottish Huntington’s Association Chief Executive Officer Alistair Haw said:
“Dance 100 began in Glasgow and after two successful years we were invited by families to bring it to the Highlands.
“We had an amazing day that demonstrates how the Huntington’s community comes together to support each another and raise awareness about this disease.
“The families who danced together in Inverness city centre have helped to smash through the stigma and lack of understanding that has surrounded Huntington’s for too long because we were able to talk directly with members of the public to explain its complex symptoms.
“This is an important part of our work and we’re going nowhere until every Huntington’s family in Scotland has the specialist support and understanding they need.
“We are hugely grateful to our families in the Highlands and to the local businesses who supported the event.
“And we thank the people of Inverness and beyond who came along to watch, ask questions, and dance with us.
“We received many donations in advance and on the day and are genuinely overwhelmed by such generosity.”
