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HDPlay, where community changes the game
What is HDPlay?
Huntington’s disease can often feel overwhelming and isolating, but time and time again, we see that community can change this:
“It’s made such a big difference to me over the last few years because it’s really helped me to feel less isolated and alone, and I’ve made some really genuine friendships from the people who are also in the community.”
HDPlay is our new gaming challenge, and it’s designed to bring people together.
Take part in any way that works for you, whether that’s through our 30–50 Challenge or by creating your own gaming fundraiser. Video games, board games, and sports all count.
Alongside your gaming, you can also create space to talk openly about the impact of Huntington’s disease, if you’d like to. Or simply take part, enjoy the challenge, and support the community through fundraising.
The 30–50 Challenge:
The 30–50 Challenge is a way to raise awareness of the difficulties the disease can bring. For example, one key fact about Huntington’s is that symptoms commonly begin between the ages of 30 and 50. Join the challenge and add a Huntington’s twist to different games:
- Online gaming - Spend 30 hours gaming throughout August, but on the fifth game, introduce a new challenge. For example, to represent how Huntington’s can affect coordination and concentration, try completing a level using one hand.
- Board games - Add a lightning round to your gameplay. If games like Battleships or Monopoly are favourites, introduce a challenge every third turn; for example, players have just 5 seconds to make their next move. This represents the cognitive challenges associated with the disease.
- Sports - Whether you enjoy golf, darts, tennis, or another sport, organise a tournament and introduce a 30–50 Challenge element. For example, between holes 3 and 5 on the golf course, try playing with your non-dominant hand. This symbolises Huntington’s coordination challenges.
Why should I take part?
HDPlay is inclusive, flexible, and open to everyone. By joining in, you will:
- Have fun while creating impact - turn the hobbies and games you already enjoy into something positive for others
- Support your wellbeing - gaming, sport, and shared activities can help reduce isolation, boost confidence, and support positive mental health
- Bring loved ones together - take part with friends, family, or colleagues and create meaningful memories
- Share your story - HDPlay can be an opportunity to talk about your Huntington’s journey in a way that feels comfortable and personal to you
We encourage everyone taking part to raise at least £50 (for fundraisers under 18 this is £25) as part of our wider community target of £5000. These figures symbolise the 50:50 chance of inheriting Huntington’s disease.
As a thank you, anyone who raises £50 will receive a free Huntington’s Disease Association t-shirt.
How to get involved:
To sign up for HDPlay, follow these two simple steps:
Step 1: Complete our registration form:
Step 2: Set up your own JustGiving page, as part of our wider HDPlay community!
However you choose to play, every fundraiser, conversation, and shared moment helps us show that community changes the game.
Share your fundraiser
Share your fundraising page with your network and allow for plenty of time before your challenge begins to help raise awareness, build support and maximise fundraising opportunities.
We'd love to see how you HDPlay! Use the form below and tell us how your planning on getting involved for a chance to feature on our social platforms.
Meet your fundraising point of contact:
Emma Foy - Community Fundraising Coordinator
Emma will be on hand to support you throughout your HDPlay fundraiser, whether you’d like ideas on how to ask for donations, or materials (like balloons or banners) to have during your challenge.
Contact Emma via email on fundraising@hda.org.uk or call 0151 331 5445
