Bridgewood Mews takes on zip wire challenge for Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month

Residents at our Bridgewood Mews care home in Tipton will be flying down the fastest zip line in the world for Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month.

Our Bridgewood Mews care home in Tipton is taking on a series of challenges to raise awareness of the disease during Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month.

The home supports a number of people who are living with Huntington’s disease, which is why it’s a cause that’s close to the heart of our residents and colleagues at Bridgewood Mews. One resident shared: “I’m excited to take part in this challenge and raise awareness of Huntington’s disease. I want to make a difference for future generations dealing with the condition.”

They’re taking on a number of challenges in support of the Huntington’s Disease Association, a national charity that supports people affected by the disease. 

During May, the team has set themselves weekly challenges which include walking 12,000 steps every day during week one, climbing the Clent Hills in week two, zip wiring at Zip World for week three and finishing the challenge off with a hike up Snowdon for week four.

You can visit their Go Fund Me page to make a donation and keep up-to-date with the challenge. We’ll also be sharing updates on our Facebook page.

About Huntington’s disease

Huntington's disease is a progressive brain disorder caused by a defective gene in your DNA. The disease causes changes in the central area of the brain which affects your body’s nervous system. This can cause changes with movement, learning, thinking and emotions. 

The symptoms of Huntington’s disease usually start between 30 and 50 years of age, but can start earlier in those who experience early onset Huntington’s disease. 

Symptoms of Huntington's disease can include:

• difficulty concentrating and memory lapses
• stumbling and clumsiness
• involuntary jerking or fidgety movements of the limbs and body
• mood swings and personality changes
• speaking and breathing difficulties
• difficulty moving. 
   

Nursing care for adults living with Huntington’s disease

People living with Huntington’s disease will often need specialist nursing care in the later stages of the condition.

There's currently no cure for Huntington's disease or any way to stop it getting worse. Treatment and support can help reduce some of the problems it causes, such as:

• medicines for depression, mood swings and involuntary movements 
• aids and equipment to help make everyday tasks easier
• speech and language therapy for feeding and communication problems
• physiotherapy to help with movement and balance. 

Get in touch with our Referrals Team to find out about our Huntington's disease care.