A HOUSTON woman has marked her 10th year of supporting families, including her own, who are living with a devastating neurological disease.

Margaret Moncrieff, 76, and several friends enjoyed dry weather as they walked along the banks of the River Clyde from Erskine in support of people with Huntington’s Disease (HD).

The condition is known to impact entire families over generations, with each child of a person with HD having a 50% chance of inheriting the illness.

Margaret, who has been organising the annual Walk of Hope in Erskine since 2012, has now raised more than £10,000 in total for the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA).

She told The Gazette: “Last year, the walk was an absolute washout and we were soaked just standing in the car park before we even started but, this year, it was such a comfortable day to walk.

“It was dry and there was a lovely atmosphere.”

Margaret’s younger sister tested positive for HD 16 years ago, at the age of 58.

It was only then that Margaret and her late brother found out they could have the illness too.

She 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 HD.

“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.”

Margaret tested negative for the disease, which can affect a person’s movement, thinking processes and mental health.

She 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.

“That’s why I do everything I can to raise awareness about HD, 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.”

Alistair Haw, chief executive officer of SHA, 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 Margaret enough for all that she does. She is an absolute inspiration.”

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