Council supports Light Up for Huntington’s Disease campaign

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will light up Antrim Civic Centre, Mossley Mill and Ballyclare Town Hall blue tonight (Monday) to mark Huntington’s Disease (HD) Awareness Week October 5-9.
Mossley Mill, Ballyclare Town Hall and Antrim Civic Centre will be lit up blue tonight as part of the Huntington’s Disease campaign.Mossley Mill, Ballyclare Town Hall and Antrim Civic Centre will be lit up blue tonight as part of the Huntington’s Disease campaign.
Mossley Mill, Ballyclare Town Hall and Antrim Civic Centre will be lit up blue tonight as part of the Huntington’s Disease campaign.

The ‘Light It Up for HD’ campaign is about increasing awareness for Huntington’s Disease in Northern Ireland.

Encouraging more people to talk about Huntington’s Disease and giving people an understanding of what the disease is will help reduce the stigma of HD.

Huntington’s patients often feel isolated and afraid to admit they have the disease to their friends and family.

Huntington’s Disease is described as a ‘neuro-degenerative’ disorder as it damages the neurons in the brain.

As it is a genetic disease, every child of an affected parent has a 50 per cent chance of inheriting the gene.

A simple blood test will determine if a person carries the HD gene, and if tested positive this person will develop the disease at some point in their life.

HD affects males and females equally and usually between the ages of 30-50 years old.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery said: “It is important that we help raise awareness of Huntington’s Disease and reduce the stigma attached to it.

“With no known cure we must support this campaign and get people talking about HD. I am delighted that the council is offering their support by lighting up our Civic Buildings.”

For more information, visit http://www.hdani.org.uk or check out Huntington’s Disease Association Northern Ireland Facebook page.

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