Come and join us for an evening of Family Prize Bingo at Griggs Restaurant on Wednesday 24^th May and support our goal, which is to raise money for Huntington’s Disease Association.

With a special guest calling the bingo and plenty of prizes up for grabs from locally sourced companies, we can guarantee this will be an evening full of fantastic family fun!

Books are priced at £6 for a book of six, and will also include three quickies. ‘Eyes down’ will begin from 7pm, with refreshments available throughout. There will also be a chance to take a break half way through.

 

Why are we doing this?

 Griggs are a family run business who consider the whole team as family too. Amongst our team is a gentleman called Nigel Rowe. Nigel has worked for M.A.Grigg for nearly five years, and has always been a hard working individual who will always give his all.

Nigel started to notice symptoms for Huntington’s disease in November 2016. Huntington’s Disease is a genetic illness that Nigel inherited from his Mother, but a condition that won’t stop him from living his life to the full. Nigel’s symptoms are currently very mild so he is therefore able to still work with us full time, whilst also trying not to let his condition get in the way of enjoying the things he loves.

Nigel has always been a massive rugby fan and although he can no longer play, he will still happily travel to games in order to support his beloved sport.

Nigel has a lovely, supporting family who he truly dotes on; his Wife Jo, and his two Daughters Megan (18) and Emily (16).

Nigel has recently become more involved with the local Huntington’s Disease Awareness Branch based here in Cornwall. When he approached us and asked if we would organise an event in order to raise money for this fantastic charity, we were absolutely delighted and more than happy to help!

 

What is Huntington’s Disease?

Huntington’s Disease is more commonly known as HD, and is a hereditary disorder of the central nerve system. It is usually developed in adulthood between the ages of 35 – 65, and is said to worsen 10–15 years after first being diagnosed. The condition also has a range of system which affects both men and women.

Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease.

Behavioural changes and psychiatric problems. 

Early features of Huntington’s Disease can include; personality changes, mood swings and unusual behaviour. Behavioural changes can be one of the most distressing changes for some people and can include symptoms such as; lack of emotions, alternating periods of aggression, excitement, apathy, antisocial behaviour and anger, irritability and impulsiveness.

Many people with HD also develop Depression which can occur as part of the condition and not just as a response to the diagnosis. A few people may also develop obsessive behaviours and schizophrenic-like problems, although this is relatively rare.

 

Movement problems

Huntington's disease also affects movement. Early features can include slight, uncontrollable movements of the face, and jerking, flicking or fidgety movements of the limbs and body. These move from one area of the body to another and can become more frequent and extreme as the condition progresses. However, over time this may change and in the advanced stages of the condition a person's movements may become slow and their muscles more rigid.

Other symptoms of HD can include;

• Feeding problems and weight loss.
• Communication and cognition changes which can affect a person’s perception, awareness, thinking and judgement.

 

About Huntington’s Disease Association

The Huntington’s Disease Association is a charity that was created in order to support anyone affected by the disease, and to provide information and advice to professionals whose task it is to support Huntington’s disease families. The HDA is financed through the generosity of trusts, foundations, the statutory and corporate sectors, branches of the HDA, members and friends.

Their central care information, advice and support service are a team of HD specialist advisors who are on hand to;

• Provide information and advice to families
• Answer crises calls and liaise with other professional service providers
• Promote and develop a full range of local services
• Identify suitable respite and residential care facilities
• Liaise with local branches and self-help groups
• Give talks and organise seminars and training days
• Provide speakers for training sessions
• Provide workshops for service providers and users such as health, social services, nursing homes, and residential care staff teams.

The HDA also encourages those affected by Huntington’s Disease to mix socially and share experiences and ideas with each other by provides local branches and groups throughout the UK. This is a beneficial service that offers an informal setting for families and individuals to gain support and advice and form local links with professionals and other groups in their community. This service also helps to raise funds and organise speakers, but above all provides a setting to share a common purpose and reduce the feeling of isolation.

 

What you can do to help!

To support Nigel and help him raise money for Huntington’s Disease Association, please come along to our Bingo night. If unfortunately you are unable to attend but would still like to donate, please head over to our just giving page - www.justgiving.com/magrigg.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, we are truly grateful for your support and look forward to seeing you on 24^th May!