Huntington's Alliance
HDAI and the Huntington's Associations of England and Wales (HDA), Northern Ireland (HDANI) and Scotland (SHA) formed a UK and Ireland Huntington's Alliance in order to work together to:
- Shape the debate on the care of people with HD and those affected by it
- Work with young people from HD families in order to support and prepare them for the years ahead
- Provide opportunities to share information and intelligence
- Act collectively where appropriate
The Alliance was launched in London in 2009 and was attended by Sarah Winckless (centre), World Gold medallist and Olympic Bronze medallist and patron of SHA, with Tony Hadley lead singer of Spandau Ballet, and Shane Richie, actor, singer and comedian, both patrons of HDA. The Alliance was also celebrated in Belfast in October 2009 with Guest speaker Mary McAleese (former President of Ireland and patron of HDAI).
President McAleese spoke of the value of coming together to share information and expertise. She recounted her own personal experience of having a friend with HD and the sorrow and misery it brings to families. She reminded people with HD that they did not have to travel the difficult journey alone. Family, friends and Huntington's patient organisations are available to help and support all who are affected by HD.