£5,000 windfall for Huntington’s charity
Bank salutes group which helps patients and families
23.06.2018 A renowned Paisley charity has received a top award recognising its vital work in the community.
The Scottish Huntington’s Association Community Group has received a funding boost of £5,000 through the Clydesdale Bank Spirit of the Community Awards.
The organisation which works with patients and their families affected by the terminal disease was lauded at a glitzy awards ceremony in Glasgow.
The special bash was to recognise the charities and notfor-profit organisations that are going the extra mile for their clients.
Based in Paisley, the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA) has been supporting people living with Huntington’s Disease across Scotland for more than 25 years.
Huntington’s is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder causing profound physical disability, deterioration in cognitive function and several mental health.
Sufferers are often forced to give up work as symptoms progress. Carers may also have to give up work. Some 67 per cent of families affected have a household income less than the national average and 33 per cent are living in poverty.
The condition is often misunderstood by benefits agencies and has been poorly assessed.
Now in its sixth year, the Spirit of the Community Awards recognises charities and notfor-profit organisations for the invaluable contributions they make to their local communities.
Debbie Crosbie, group chief operating officer at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks and chair of the Yorkshire and Clydesdale Bank foundation, said: “The help and support these organisations continue to provide their local communities is invaluable.
“Clydesdale Bank’s Spirit of the Community Awards is not only our way to thank these incredible community groups, but also to recognise and support the vital contributions they make to our societies.
“While there can only be 15 winners every organisation who was nominated for an award is extremely deserving of recognition.”
The Paisley lifeline service recently benefited from BBC’s Children In Need appeal with a £ 124,000 donation vital in maintaining its support for sufferers.