Fundraisers stage 100-song charity danceathon in Glasgow city centre
Around 100 people gathered in George Square yesterday to raise money for the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA)
Dozens of fundraisers have taken part in a charity danceathon in Glasgow city centre.
Around 100 people gathered in George Square yesterday for a five-hour-long 'Dance 100' challenge in aid of the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA).
Gillian McNab, who is currently facing the onset of Huntington’s disease after testing positive for the faulty gene that causes it, was one of those dancing her way through a 100-song playlist.
Gillian, a trustee and volunteer fundraiser for the SHA, told Clyde News: "There's usually a lack of awareness around Huntington's and that causes those with Huntington's disease to feel isolated."
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She added: "The pandemic has just made this 100 times worse, so it's absolutely vital that we get funds to support this cause.
"It's not just the person with Huntington's disease that's affected - it's the whole family. So, this is a very important time to get involved."
SHA is the only charity in Scotland that is dedicated to supporting those affected by Huntington’s, which is described as ‘an incurable neurological condition with severe and complex physical, mental and cognitive symptoms’.
Gillian, who works as a palliative care nurse, has already raised more than £20,000 for the charity and hopes the danceathon will further raise her total.
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The fundraising event was inspired by her neighbours who completed 100 socially distanced dances during the first Covid lockdown to help each other stay active and feel connected.
She said: "The SHA thought this was a wonderful idea, hence Dance 100 being born - making it even bigger and bringing it to George Square.
"We're trying to bring Huntington's disease out of the shadows and into the spotlight."
Alistair Haw, CEO of Scottish Huntington’s Association, said: “We thank everyone who supported Dance 100, either by coming along on the day or by donating to Scottish Huntington’s Association.
“As a charity, we are determined to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease to reduce the isolation experienced by so many families because there is still a widespread misunderstanding about the disease and its symptoms.”
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