SHA volunteer Gillian named Scotland’s Caring Champion at star-studded awards night

Scottish Huntington’s Association volunteer, speaker and fundraiser – Gillian McNab -has been named “Scotland’s Caring Champion” at the Daily Record & Sunday Mail’s annual awards in recognition of her commitment and support for families living with Huntington’s disease.

Gillian McNab

The announcement was made at a star-studded awards ceremony attended by 450 guests, including Sir Tom Hunter, Midge Ure, The View’s lead singer Kyle Falconer, Jackie Bird, Des Clarke and members from the cast of BBC drama, River City.

Accepting the award, Gillian, 51, said: “Ten years ago when I was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, I promised myself that I would live to the full. Then I realised it wasn’t just about having adventures, it was about increasing awareness about the disease and raising funds for Scottish Huntington’s Association.

“My daughters are my biggest cheerleaders and I wouldn’t be here without their support and the support of my friends and family, my colleagues at Strathcarron Hospice, my crazy neighbours and Scottish Huntington’s Association. It is such a relief to me to know that when the time comes, support from Scottish Huntington’s Association will be there for me.”

Gillian, from Lanarkshire, was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer Alistair Haw, who joined her on stage to address the audience on behalf of the charity and the families we support.

He encouraged guests to support the community by requesting support from their MSPs for the motion tabled in the Scottish Parliament that calls for expanded services for HD families.

“A major part of our work as Scottish Huntington’s Association is to make sure people know about Huntington’s disease and ensure that families have the services and the support they need, when they need it. This is by no means a simple task and we’ll face many challenges along the way but, with people like Gillian on our side, how can we do anything but succeed?” he said.

The Scotland’s Champions Awards were established by the Daily Record and Sunday Mail news titles to celebrate the country’s unsung heroes. Gillian was nominated by readers after raising more than £20,000 for Scottish Huntington’s Association by taking part in daredevil challenges including a wing-walk, a skydive and a fire-walk. She has also given numerous talks and presentations about Huntington’s disease to community groups and health and social care practitioners.

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