Odds And Socks Day represents the 50:50 chance of inheriting Huntington’s disease from a gene-positive parent.
I think it's really important to spread awareness about Huntington’s disease…and Odds And Socks Day is such a creative way to do it and to get people to open up about it. When you're wearing the odd socks it just starts that conversation which is very very important.
Molly’s mum is in the late stages of Huntington’s disease. Molly didn’t know what Huntington’s disease was until a few years ago and only discovered the Huntington’s Disease Association at age 19. She wants to raise as much awareness as possible so that it is more known and less stigmatised. She feels this is really important others are able to get the help and support she has had.
The impact the charity has had on me has been life-changing, it’s brought me a sense of community and I don’t feel so alone anymore. I’ve met some amazing people who have inspired me to start sharing my story even more and raising awareness. I’m thankful for this charity as I honestly believe without it this would be ten times harder to navigate.
Molly said that often people who don’t know about Huntington’s only see the effect of the person currently going through it without realising the impact on everyone around them and the risk of the children.
The simplicity and inclusivity of Odds And Socks Day meant that Molly and her mum could both be involved together.
I have only learned about the Huntington’s Disease Association in the past couple of years and it’s had such an impact on me that when I saw the campaign I was like - I have to get involved in this.
Molly enjoyed the Odds And Socks fundraising event so much that she is joining in again this year. She has already raised more than her £50 target and raised more than last year which is an amazing achievement.
It was very easy to get involved, I just set up my JustGiving page that was linked to the Huntington’s Disease Association and the money just goes straight to them so you don't have to do any of that. I’ve just been sharing the link everywhere, on my social media, with my work friends, with everyone.
Last year, for the launch of Odds And Socks Day, Molly went to her mum’s care home for the day with one of her friends. Molly said, that due to the stage of the disease that her mum was in, she didn’t fully understand but it didn’t matter as she was able to do something that involved her mum all while raising money and awareness.
It was nice for her to be a part of something like raising awareness for Huntington's disease. I used to be quite embarrassed about the disease but in the past couple of years, I've just wanted to get her to get her out there and get her involved in as much as she can be whether she understands or not. It means I can hold and value these memories of her.
One of the aims of Odds And Socks Day was for it to be inclusive to everyone in the Huntington’s disease community. Whether you are in a Huntington’s family, at risk, a friend or colleague or you care for someone at any stage of the disease, the day is about raising awareness of those impacted by Huntington’s disease, all together, as a community.
Because she doesn't have to get up and do anything, they can do it even if bedbound it's just important for them to be included in this because this is what they're going through. It’s just amazing and I’m so glad to be a part of it.
Thank you to Molly for sharing this story with us.
Want to get involved in Odds And Socks Day?
You can show your support by wearing your odd socks on Thursday 27 February and creating a fundraiser to help us raise awareness and valuable funds for people affected by Huntington's disease. If you sign up to fundraise with us you will receive a free pair of Huntington's Disease Association branded pink and green socks - this is subject to the first 150 people so act quickly fast if you want to get your hands (and feet) on a pair!
Want to make a day of it? Why not get your workplace, school or care home involved? We have ideas, activities, and decorations to help make your Odds And Socks Day event a success. Visit our fundraising page below to find out more.