Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Kirrie Girls step it up once again
THEY conquered the highest peaks of England, Scotland and Wales in one weekend.
And now the unstoppable Kirrie Girls are limbering up to take on a five-hour dance challenge in support of families with Huntington’s disease.
Jennifer Paton, Gill Ferguson, Dianne Scott, and mum and daughter Susan and Claire Dyce have raised more than £20,000 for Scottish Huntington’s Association since last summer.
Their efforts have generated valuable awareness about the rare disease in the Angus community and beyond.
They are inspired by Jennifer’s husband Mike, who was in his early-50s when the first symptoms of Huntington’s began to emerge.
Sadly, the diagnosis confirmed what Mike already suspected – he recognised the early signs all too well after tragically losing both his mother and sister to the incurable disease. It meant giving up a successful offshore career and adjusting to the serious health changes that lay ahead.
Since then, Mike’s mobility and balance have deteriorated and his speech is becoming more affected by the neurological condition.
But his fortitude is the driver for the friends’ determination to support the charity.
It is the only one dedicated exclusively to supporting Scottish families impacted by Huntington’s disease.
Jennifer said: “Huntington’s disease was never spoken about when Mike’s mum was ill, not even among family members. But Mike and I have always been very open about his diagnosis and symptoms.
“Thanks to our Kirrie Girls friends, there is definitely much more awareness in Kirriemuir now.
“We held a fundraising cheese and wine evening in our home recently and about 50 people bought tickets. We raised more than £900 for Scottish Huntington’s Association that night.”
It’s another financial boost to the huge total the group generated from their successful Three Peaks Challenge last August.
“What made it even more special is knowing we’re shining a light on a devastating condition that is not well known or understood by most people,” Jennifer added.
“I think nearly everyone here knows about Huntington’s disease now.
“And people often come up to us for a chat or to ask questions, which is fantastic.
“When Mike’s sitting outside on our porch, walkers on the path in front of the house stop to give him a wave.
“At the weekend he was getting lots of big hugs in the pub.
“It can be emotional because Mike’s a humble person.
“But we’re all pleased that people have a better understanding about his illness.”
So the pals are limbering up for the charity’s Dance 100 challenge in George Square, Glasgow on Sunday June 12.
“We’re not as fit now as last year when we were training to do the Three Peak Challenge so I don’t know if we’ll manage the full 100 dances – but we’re going to do our best,” said Jennifer.