Campaigners in Moray who are fighting an incurable illness have had their efforts recognised with a national award.
The region’s Huntington’s Disease support group was formed just 18 months ago but is already the most active of its kind in Scotland with more than 20 patients and families regularly attending meetings to share experiences.
Efforts from the activists have been praised for helping to secure a new specialist nurse for Moray for the illness and other similar conditions.
The support group has now been recognised as volunteer group of the year at the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA) awards ceremony.
Huntington’s is a hereditary illness which causes a gradual deterioration of movement and speech and is usually fatal about 20 years after symptoms start with a 50% chance of parents passing it to their children.
Olympic rower Sarah Winckless, SHA patron who has been diagnosed with the disease, said: “ The group is determined to make sure that no one in Moray is left to face Huntington’s alone.
“As if that wasn’t enough, the members are fierce. They don’t take no for an answer and after campaigning with the support of SHA and lobbying MPs, MSPs, health and social care officials, they have secured the appointment of the first Huntington’s specialist nurse for Moray.
“It’s a fantastic achievement – and we have the feeling there is more to come from them.”
