A Better Way Of Life

Hi my name is Danny Winfield..

Some of you may or may not know that my dad (Dave) suffers with a rare disease called Huntington's disease.

Huntington’s disease is a rare devasting, progressive neurodegenerative condition. HD causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to loss of motor control, cognitive decline and psychiatric issues. Currently there is NO cure & treatment options are limited.

Dave’s story - 63 years old

My dad ran his own successful decorating business and was football mad, often travelling up and down the country to watch his beloved Man United.

Unknown to me & my family, my dad had been adopted at birth so therefore was no family history with this disease, my mum was endlessly researching his symptoms to try and find an answer, it was then in 2013 he was diagnosed with HD. After the results we then found out that HD was in fact a hereditary disease which means me & my brother have a 50% chance of also having it, this is something I try not to think too much about after watching my dad deteriorate over time.

My mum was a carer for over 12 years which included having to feed/ change & support him 24/7 but after a hospital admission in May 2024 it was then agreed she was no longer able to manage at home,as not only did she not have the facilities but also this was taking its toll on her life & becoming very difficult to manage. My dad lost over 4 stone in the space of 2 months and now only weighs around 8 stone.

We then decided it would be best for dad to be placed in a care home where his needs are catered for. This was a very tough decision on everyone. He is no longer able to walk or even leave his bed, meaning he has now been bed bound since May 2024.

I have decided to run the Brighton marathon on April 6th 2025 to raise money for a Lento Neuro chair which will allow my dad to hopefully one day leave his room, to even go outside and feel the fresh air, something many of us take for granted. This chair is designed for people with HD & is intended to make users feel safe and secure & reduce ataxic movements. It is also compatible with hoists which is something my dad needs daily

I am asking for your help, any donation big or small to help me raise my target of £5000 to be able to purchase the chair for my dad, in hope of bettering his way of life.

For those of you that know me well will also know how much I dislike running & love a fag so wish me luck!

Thank you.