HDAI Support Meetings
Dublin Nov 12th 2011. Cork Dec 3rd 2011. Cuisle Jun 8th-10th 2012, Castlebar Dec 10th 2011. Limerick Oct 15th 2011. Contact HDAI for venue details.
Support Neurological Care
See The Neurological Alliance of Ireland's Thinking Ahead Campaign
The Dublin Neurological Institute
The Dublin Neurological Institute opens a 'drop in' information centre for people affected by a neurological condition. See www.neurologicalinstitute.ie
Brain Awareness Week 7-13 March 2011
See www.nai.ie for a Brain Awareness calendar of events
Huntingtons Alliance
HDAI has come together with the Huntingtons Associations of England and Wales (HDA), Northern Ireland (HDANI) and Scotland (SHA) to form the UK and Ireland Huntington's Alliance. The Alliance hopes to make as many people as possible aware of HD and its devastating effect on families. It aims 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 on June 8th 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 new patrons of HDA. Representatives from the four charities were present to launch the Alliance and thank Sarah for her generous offer to take part in the Henley Regatta to raise funds and awareness for the work of the Alliance.
The Alliance was celebrated at the Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast on 12th October 2009. Pat McKay chair of HDANI welcomed our patron, President of Ireland Mary McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese, Sarah Winckless SHA patron, Alliance representatives and family members. She read a statement from HDANI patron Baroness May Blood who was unable to attend the event. Baronness Blood applauded the Alliance and stressed the need to tackle ignorance of HD at all levels.
President McAleese spoke of the value of comming 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.
left to right; Dr McAleese, Pat McKay Chair HDANI, Errol Walsh HDANI, President McAleese, Sarah Winckless SHA patron, John Eden SHA, Cath Stanley HDA, Bill Crowder HDA, Patricia Towey HDAI, Denis Ryan Chair HDAI