Council offices to be lit up for Huntington's Disease awareness
02 October 2020
Council offices will be lit up purple on Monday, October 5th, in support of the #LightItUp4HD campaign which raises awareness for Huntington's Disease.
HD is described as a 'neuro-degenerative' disorder as it damages the neurons in the brain and causes progressive deterioration – physically, cognitively and emotionally until the individual becomes dependent on the help of others.
Organised by the Huntington's Disease Association Northern Ireland, #LightItUp4HD normally takes place in May, having begun in Canada in May 2015, but has been rearranged this year to take place alongside the HDANI's virtual conference week which also begins on Monday.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, said he was happy to support the campaign of raising awareness for Huntington's Disease by lighting up the Council offices.
"Huntington's Disease is something that many people have heard of but perhaps know very little about unless they have had personal experience of it.
"Through the #LightItUp4HD campaign we have an opportunity to educate ourselves about Huntington's Disease and how it can affect people's lives. It reduces the stigma and it helps those who are dealing with HD to open up rather than feeling isolated and alone.
"The Huntington's Disease Association Northern Ireland do fantastic work in supporting these individuals, and I was very happy to give my backing to their work and to #LightItUp4HD by lighting the Council offices purple on Monday."