A woman has completed her 13th Walk of Hope to support families like her own who are impacted by Huntington’s disease.

Until her sister was diagnosed in 2005, Margaret Moncrieff knew nothing about the hereditary brain disease or that one of her parents must have had it.

It also meant that Margaret and her brother could develop Huntington’s because anyone with a parent who has the disease has a 50% risk of having inherited it.

The 79-year-old accountant from Houston said: “It was a terrible shock.

“My brother died without having been tested but looking back I think it’s likely that he had the disease.

“When I was tested, I was lucky to receive a negative result.”

The disease causes severe physical, mental and cognitive symptoms which can eventually lead to the loss of the ability to walk, talk, eat and drink.

It can also cause changes to thinking processes and serious mental illness including depression and, in some people, psychosis.

The Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA) has been supporting Margaret’s sister and her family for nearly 20 years.

“My sister is visited regularly by a SHA Huntington's disease specialist and I quickly became aware of how much families rely on the services the charity provides,” explained Margaret.

“My sister’s health has deteriorated significantly and there is very little I can do to help her, so I raise money for SHA to help fund its specialist services.

"I know what a difference it makes for people to have the right care and I know how much the charity needs the support of fundraisers to continue its work.”

(Image: Supplied)

In 2012, Margaret began an annual trek with friends to support the organisation and increase awareness about Huntington’s disease along the way.

Over the years it has raised more than £20,000 for the Renfrewshire-based charity.

This year Margaret boosted that total by at least another £1500 by walking along the banks of the River Clyde in Erskine with a group of supporters, including her two sons, with more donations still to come in.

The group picked a great day for the walk, with the weather being dry and not too cold and not too warm.

In addition to her fundraising, Margaret has volunteered in the SHA national office in Paisley and was appointed to the charity’s board as a trustee in 2022.

“I fundraise every year and I suppose I will continue for as long as I can,” added Margaret.

“I hope my efforts will also raise awareness about this devastating disease because it is not well known or understood amongst the wider public.”

To donate to support Margaret’s Walk of Hope click HERE.