Teenage musical theatre actor William Hillhouse has vowed to sing and dance his way through life – despite knowing he’s at risk of developing the same incurable disease as his dad.

Mum Donna, daughter Molly (4), son William and dad William.

The super talented 16-year-old singer, actor and dancer from East Kilbride has appeared in pantos with David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff and his heroes The Krankies. He’s even fulfilled a childhood ambition by joining The Krankies on stage to belt out the fabled Fandabidozi song.

Now William is speaking out about the devastating neurological condition Huntington’s disease and its impact on individuals and families.

“Huntington’s disease is caused by a hereditary faulty gene and there’s a 50% chance that I’ve inherited it from my dad,” said William, a student at the Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow.

“We can’t change that but I can do something positive by raising as much awareness about the disease as possible while pursuing my career in musical theatre.

“I’ve travelled all over the country and I take every chance to speak to people about Huntington’s disease and its symptoms. I’m a glass-half-full person who hopes for the best because my Mum positivity inspires me to be the same.

“I’ve known about the risk to me since I was young. Mum got in touch with Scottish Huntington’s Association to make sure I have the right support. I’ve been meeting up regularly with one of the charity’s youth advisors ever since and it’s made a huge difference to how I live my life.

“It means I understand much more about the disease and there’s always someone to answer my questions and help me to understand the changes we now see in my dad’s health.”

Huntington’s disease causes severe physical, mental and cognitive symptoms. As they progress, uncontrolled jerky movements develop and the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and swallow is lost. Mental health deteriorates, leading to depression, anxiety, mood swings, challenging behaviours, personality changes and, in some people, psychosis. Thinking processes are also impaired, causing early onset dementia, affecting the ability to make decisions, plan and organise.

People with the condition are often wrongly suspected of being drunk or on drugs because of difficulties with speech and mobility. Then, as complex symptoms develop, 24-hour care can become necessary, meaning it’s no longer possible to live in the family home with loved ones.

William’s dad – also called William – tested positive for the faulty gene 19 years ago soon after he me Donna, his wife. Now 43, he has started to notice changes in his movement control and his mental health.

“He’s a quieter person than the rest of us by nature but we can see now that he’s becoming more introverted and worried about people looking at him when we’re out and about,” said Donna, 40.

“We’re still in the early stages and as a family we’re staying positive and supporting one another, with the help of an HD Specialist from Scottish Huntington’s Association.

Willliam meets regularly with his SHA Specialist Youth Advisor

“It’s important for us to talk about Huntington’s disease and its impact on our family. That’s not always the case for other families because there’s still a stigma attached to the disease and a widespread lack of understanding amongst the wider public.”

As part of his mission to change that, William junior is taking his awareness raising efforts one step further by performing in George Square, Glasgow, on Sunday, 12 June as part of the Scottish Huntington’s Association Dance 100 event.

The charity is the only one in Scotland dedicated exclusively to supporting individuals and families impacted by Huntington’s disease. It does this through a nationwide network of HD Specialists, Financial Wellbeing Officers and Specialist Youth Advisors. Scottish Huntington’s Association is also actively driving up awareness about the disease and campaigning for improved services for all families, regardless of where in Scotland they live.

“I’m really looking forward to Dance 100, which is bringing our community together to raise as much money and awareness as possible,” said William.

“Families all over Scotland, including mine, depend on the lifeline services provided by Scottish Huntington’s Association and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to do my bit for the charity.