Skydive appeal

Scottish Huntington’s Association is on the lookout for daredevils to take part in a charity sky dive.

The charity is the only one in the country that supports families impacted by the degenerative neurological condition Huntington’s disease (HD).

Fundraiser Linda Winters said:“This is a great opportunity to experience one of the ultimate adrenalin rushes, hurtling through the sky at 120mph with the added advantage of raising our profile and lots of money to help fund our work.”

SHA supports HD families through a national network of specialists, a youth support team and its financial wellbeing service.

HD is a complex condition with symptoms that typically begin to develop between the ages of 30 and 50. It causes three main groups of symptoms: a type of early onset dementia, loss of muscle control and involuntary movements which lead to loss of speech and swallow along with mental illness.

Sufferers may eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or make decisions and will eventually need 24-hour care.

It is hereditary and there is no cure.

It is estimated there are around 1100 people living with HD in Scotland and up to 6000 at risk.

The sky dive takes place at Fife Airport, Glenrothes, on June 23.

SHA is asking skydivers to commit to raising a minimum of £499. To register contact Linda on 0141 848 0308 or email linda.winters@ hdscotland.org.§