The 2019 Family Conference promises to be an extra special gathering as families come together in our 30th Anniversary year to celebrate the accomplishments of people living with HD towards our shared goals of improved care and better treatment.
Held over two days at the MacDonald Aviemore Resort, a packed programme of inspiring speakers, entertainment and social activities has been lined up.
Events will kick off with a drinks reception and the SHA 30th Anniversary Volunteer Awards ceremony on Friday, 1 November from 3pm onwards. Dinner and a casino fun night will round off day one.
Day two, Saturday, 2 November, will feature Jeff Carroll, co-founder of HD Buzz, who will be looking beyond the Huntingtin lowering treatments to see what is coming next. Also joining us will be Alice Wexler, whose sister Nancy led the team who worked with the people of Lake Marcaibo and whose work led to the discovery of the HD gene.
Olympic medalist Sarah Winckless, our patron, will deliver the keynote address, then Gillian McNab and Paula Merit will share their stories and experiences of living with HD. In the afternoon, the focus will turn to Juvenile HD, with Dr Oliver Quarrell sharing his research, followed by time with SHAYP, our youth project, and the young people they work with.
The conference finale will star actors from the smash musical Sunshine On Leith, who will lead us in a showstopping selection of the Proclaimers’ greatest hits. Well worth walking 500 miles for!
Attendance is free for all family members, and includes free overnight accommodation for one night at the MacDonald Aviemore Resort. Should you wish, you can extend your stay at your own cost and we have negotiated a special rate for SHA conference guests.
Invitations are being sent out – places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so book early using the form provided on the invitation flyer.