Each year we come together to celebrate the incredible work of fundraisers, professionals and volunteers working to support people in the Huntington's community.
The Huntington’s Disease Association Awards is our annual event to recognise and celebrate the fantastic achievements of those who support our work and those who support anyone affected by Huntington's disease over the past year. This was a very special event as we also celebrate ten years of the Huntington's Disease Association Awards!
We would like to thank our event sponsor FI Real Estate Management. You can read more about them at the bottom of the page.
Fundraiser of the Year
Ian Rock - Isle of Wight Coastal Path Challenge
Ian is a PE teacher and lover of the outdoors from the Isle of Wight. In May 2024 he decided to take on a 73 mile challenge. Ian knew he wanted a physical challenge and one that would inspire his students. He decided to walk the entire outline of the Isle of Wight to raise as much money as he could, to help the Huntington’s Disease Association support as many families as possible.
After discovering in November of 2023 that I had inherited Huntington’s disease, I felt I needed to face a challenge, to give me something to focus on. The point of my plan was to raise as much awareness of Huntington’s disease and the Huntington’s Disease Association as possible. I wanted to inspire my students, to show them that things that seem hard or impossible are possible if you keep on trying and don't give up! I used the challenge to show all our students (on three different school sites) what I had completed and to speak about Huntington’s disease and the need for resilience in any challenge they may face.
Young Fundraiser of the Year
Jessica and Isobel Williams
Cheshire sisters Jessica and Isobel wanted to take on a fundraiser that would test them physically last year.
In August 2024 when they were ten and six, they took part in the York Kids Triathlon to show their support for their Gramps. Their dad said:
We were already very proud when Jessica and Isobel said they wanted to take part in a triathlon, however, when they told us that they wanted to make it a fundraiser for the Huntington's Disease Association we were so pleased. They worked so hard training for the event and at raising as much money as they could. Their mum and I are really super proud of what they have achieved and raised. Well done girls.
Fundraising Group of the Year
Cliffy’s Challenge
Hannah, Karen and Lyn are the lead members of the group who created ‘Cliffy’s Challenge’. Based in North Yorkshire the group have organised and taken part in a variety of challenges to raise funds in memory of Cliffy. As part of their fundraising Hannah, who hates flying, took part in a skydive, Lucy ran the Great North Run and there was a golf day in October. The funds raised by the team have been used to support people affected by Huntington’s in their local area of North Yorkshire. The group have inspired other friends, family and members of their local community to take on their own challenge in memory of Cliffy. Hannah said:
Cliffy has asked in his memory for family and friends to take part in 'Cliffy's Challenge' to raise awareness of Huntington's disease and gain vital funds for Huntington's Disease Association in his local area.”
Founders' Award
The Founders’ Award is the charity’s way of acknowledging those who go above and beyond to help the Huntington’s community in the same way as the Founders of the charity did back in 1971.
This year's winner was Sue Watkins.
The legacy of Sue's early work – the sacrifices, the determination, the care – continues to shape the charity to this day. Sue’s passion for improving care and support never wavered. She led with both heart and purpose, and she succeeded in something not easily done: making the organisation more professional and sustainable, while keeping its core values front and centre. She continued as Chair of the Association until 2003, by which time the Advisory Service had full coverage across England and Wales, and the charity’s finances
were secure.
Excellence in Health or Social Care Award
This category acknowledges people working within a professional health or social care setting who make a difference to the lives of people who have Huntington's disease. Individuals, teams or organisations who champion the Huntington's disease community.
This year's winner was Julie Yates, Care Home Manager.
Community Group Award
This year, we are extremely pleased to launch our Huntington's Disease Association Community Group Award. Our volunteer-led branches and support groups are an essential part of our charity and we are recognising their excellent contribution to the local Huntington's disease community. Through delivering local meetings, events, emotional and practical support our branches and support groups play an important part in people's lives.
This year's winner was the West Midlands Branch.
2025 awards sponsor
Thank you so much to FI Real Estate Management for being this year's event sponsor.
Tim Knowles, managing director, FI Real Estate Management said:
"FI are delighted to be sponsoring the Awards this year, and to show our support for the incredible services provided by the charity to people living with Huntington’s disease and helping them live a better life."
About FI Real Estate Mangement
As one of the UK’s most established names in commercial asset and property management, FI Real Estate Management operates an extensive and diverse portfolio which covers over 15m sq ft, including 6.5m sq ft of new build developments, across the nation, with assets totalling in excess £1.2bn.
Event gallery
