Houston accountant Margaret Moncrieff (79) is taking on her 13th Walk of Hope in support of families, including her own, who are impacted by Huntington’s disease (HD).
The annual trek began with friends back in 2012 to support Scottish Huntington’s Association while increasing awareness about Huntington’s disease along the way.
Over the years it has raised a total of over £20,000 for the Renfrewshire-based charity and Margaret is on target to boost that total even further with this year’s walk along the banks of the River Clyde in Erskine on Saturday 14 September.
Margaret was 60 when she discovered her family is impacted by Huntington’s, a hereditary brain disease. Until her sister was diagnosed in 2005 Margaret knew nothing about the condition or that one of her parents must have had it.
It also meant that Margaret and her brother were also at risk of developing Huntington’s because anyone with a parent who has the disease is at 50% risk of having inherited it.
“It was a terrible shock,” said Margaret.
“My brother died without having been tested but looking back I think it’s likely that he had the disease. When I was tested, I was lucky to receive a negative result.”
The disease causes severe physical, mental and cognitive symptoms which can eventually lead to the loss of ability to walk, talk, eat and drink. It can also cause changes to thinking processes and serious mental illness including depression and, in some people, psychosis.
Scottish Huntington’s Association has been supporting Margaret’s sister and her family for nearly 20 years.
“My sister is visited regularly by a Scottish Huntington’s Association HD Specialist and I quickly became aware of how much families rely on the services the charity provides,” said Margaret.
“My sister’s health has deteriorated significantly and there is very little I can do to help her. So I raise money for Scottish Huntington’s Association to help fund its specialist services. I know what a difference it makes for people to have the right care and I know how much the charity needs the support of fundraisers to continue its work.”
In addition to her fundraising, Margaret volunteered in the Scottish Huntington’s Association National Office in Paisley and was appointed to the charity’s Board as a Trustee in 2022.
“I fundraise every year and I suppose I will continue for as long as I can,” said Margaret.
“I hope my efforts will also raise awareness about this devastating disease because it is not well known or understood amongst the wider public.”
Donations in support of Margaret’s Walk of Hope can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/margaret-moncrieff-erskine-walk-2024