Dancers take over George Square in 100 song challenge
NOT even the wet weather could dampen spirits at a lively charity fundraiser in Glasgow’s city centre yesterday. Taking over George Square, close to 100 dancers gathered for a fivehour-long Dance 100 event all in support of the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA).
Amongst the volunteers dancing to a 100-song playlist was Gillian McNab, a palliative care nurse, trustee and volunteer fundraiser for the SHA.
The mum of three is currently facing the onset of Huntington’s disease after testing positive for the faulty gene that causes it.
She said: “I’m here today to bring Huntington’s disease out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
“Many people haven’t heard of it and we really want to shout loud about it.
“George Square was a great choice of location.
“Because Huntington’s is a hereditary disease it doesn’t just affect one person, it affects the whole family.
“It’s amazing to see lots of families coming together today, all united in wearing our charity t-shirts and talking to people to raise awareness.”
SHA is the only charity in Scotland that is dedicated to supporting those affected by Huntington’s, which is described as “an incurable neurolog
ical condition with severe and complex physical, mental and cognitive symptoms”. Gillian has already raised more than £20,000 for the charity and hopes that the Dance 100 marathon will see that total rise further still.
The fun-filled event was inspired by her neighbours who completed 100 socially distanced dances during lockdown to help each other feel connected. Gillian said: “Dancing has always been important to me and my daughters. We dance to celebrate the good times and we dance to
lift our spirits when life gets tough. Dance 100 is bringing people together to dance joyfully and with purpose.
“When the symptoms start, I’ll no longer be able to live my life the way I want to.
“I also live with the knowledge that each of my three daughters may also have the faulty gene.
“I can’t change that but I try my best to stay positive and do what I can to help other people who are affected by this terrible disease as well.”
Chief executive of Scottish Huntington’s Association, Alistair Haw, said: “We thank everyone who supported Dance 100, either by coming along on the day or by donating to Scottish Huntington’s Association.
“As a charity, we are determined to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease to reduce the isolation experienced by so many families because there is still a widespread misunderstanding about the disease and its symptoms.”