A determined fundraiser has completed her tenth Walk of Hope to help other families affected by Huntington’s disease.
Since 2012, Margaret Moncrieff has been bringing people together to walk along the banks of the River Clyde at Erskine.
Even a global pandemic didn’t stop the 76-year-old and her band of supporters last year and she’s done the same again this year with another socially-distanced walk.
It means she’s now raised more than £10,000 for the Scottish Huntington’s Association, the Paisley-based charity which supports families affected by the disease.
Margaret’s younger sister tested positive 16 years when she was 58.
Margaret, from Houston, said: “We always thought we were quite a healthy family but scientists think it was most likely inherited from my mother who died when she was 71 without ever showing symptoms of Huntington’s disease.
“Our late brother, my sister’s twin, died nine years ago and we’re sure he had it as well, although he was never tested.
“When I found out that each child of a person with Huntington’s is at 50 per cent risk of inheriting the disease, I needed to plan ahead for the future so I had the test. For me, it came back negative.”
Huntington’s disease, which is incurable, causes a deterioration in motor function that leads to uncontrolled jerky movements and the loss of ability to walk, talk, eat and drink.
It also affects mental health and causes mood swings, personality changes and damage to thinking processes. With such complex physical and mental symptoms, people with the disease often need 24-hour care, meaning they are no longer able to live at home with loved ones.
Today there are around 1,100 people in Scotland with the disease, and a further 4,000 to 6,000 at risk of having the gene.
Margaret added: “Someone once said that people who test negative are in need of support as well. I’m walking through life feeling like I got away with something when my brother and sister weren’t able to. Survivor’s guilt.
“That’s why I do everything I can to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease, which is still widely misunderstood or not known about by too many people.
“I have wonderful support from my friends and family, and my church, Houston and Killellan Kirk.”
SHA chief executive officer Alistair Haw thanked Margaret for her incredible fundraising and commitment.
He said: “Margaret has raised an incredible amount of money for Scottish Huntington’s Association over the years. Her energy and commitment also extended to volunteering in our National Office each week before the pandemic hit, sharing her expertise and talents with the team in support of our work to ensure families have the care and support they need.
“And she’s always looking for opportunities to raise awareness, including by giving talks to community groups.
“Amazingly, Margaret juggles all this with her work at a local solicitor’s office. We can’t thank her enough for all that she does, Margaret is an absolute inspiration.”
To support Margaret’s fundraising, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/margaret-moncrieff11
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