An Armagh woman and Huntington’s Disease warrior has committed to walking 100 miles this February to raise money for a charity that has supported her in her own journey and one that she knows has the potential to benefit so many more.
Janice McCartney – known to many as one of the several friendly faces in Lila’s on Scotch Street – has been involved with Huntington’s Disease Association Northern Ireland (HDANI) for many years following her own diagnosis with the debilitating disease.
Speaking highly of the charity, of which she is now a member of the board for, the mother-of-two gave Armagh I an insight into the work they do and of the physical effects of Huntington’s disease, explaining: “It eats away at your brain. It’s similar to Parkinson’s, Motor Neuron disease, MS altogether and dementia.
“It gets to be that you can’t walk or talk and your balance is affected. Your memory would be affected and different things.
“It usually starts in your 40s but I’m 50 next month and I’m so lucky to get to 50 and I have really little trouble – it’s just balance and memory that are affected a wee bit.
“I’m on the board for HDANI and it’s not until you need it that you realise how good they are and the support they have available. They have given me reflexology for 6 weeks and if any of the boys [her sons] want counselling or anything they are there.”
Janice’s father, George Heatrick, was also diagnosed with the incurable condition, aged just 35. He battled the condition for many years until his sad passing at 58-years-old.
She explained that as a genetic condition that “doesn’t skip generations”, you have a “50/50 chance” of being a Huntington’s carrier.
With first-hand knowledge of the incredible work the charity do, Janice has been involved in several fundraisers over the years, from barn dances, to marathon walks, and coffee mornings.
Today, however, she has committed to walk a whopping 100 miles in an effort to raise further funds.
And, while fundraising is the aim, the challenge, which started February 1, has given Janice that extra “kick” to get back into exercise. Something she says “really helps mentally”.
She added: “I needed a bit of a kick. I was boot camping and everything and now, just this last year, I have let it go.
“My son Josh said to me, “Once you put this on Facebook you’re going to have to stick to it – there’s no going back!”
“I walked this morning and did four miles. I came in at about 8.10am and everyone has been so good. My friend even walked with me yesterday too and we did 7 miles.
“I have 14 miles done now and over £1,300 raised already – and I thought at the start if I raised £100 it would have been good!”
She has until February 28 to meet her goal and she’s convinced she might even surpass it – all just weeks before her 50th birthday.
And a little help from former Irish rugby union player and captain of the Ireland national team, Rory Best, has set her well on her way.
Said Janice: “Rory was in getting ski stuff and we were talking about me getting trainers for walking and I said, ‘Rory, you’re the man we need!'”
Immediately, the rugby star jumped at the opportunity to make a kind donation and snap a quick photo to spread the message. She added: “He’s very good and so supportive.”
The money raised will go directly to HDANI to help further their support work and counselling services.
“The charity like all charities are struggling,” continued Janice. “The money raised doesn’t go for research or anything it’s purely for support for the families and those affected.
“There are so many people who don’t know that the charity exists or what they can do for them.
“They have a conference once a year and the families can come together and they are researching all the time.
“The research is coming on really well, in the next few years they are so close to getting something to slow it down. Maybe not in my generation but maybe for my boys.”
