A NEW charity is being launched tonight to support people affected by Huntington’s disease.

The Jersey branch of the Huntington’s Disease Association will be launched at a gathering at the Mayfair Hotel that starts at 7.30 pm and anyone interested is invited to attend. The association’s vice-chairman is Jim Hopley, who is chief executive of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society.

He said that Huntington’s was sometimes known as the ‘hidden disease’ as it is a hereditary disorder of the central nervous system, caused by a faulty gene, which leads to gradual physical, mental and emotional changes. In its later stages, said Mr Hopley, sufferers from the illness experience many different symptoms, which may include involuntary movements, difficulty in speech and swallowing, severe weight loss and many emotional changes.

He said that anyone who has a parent with Huntington’s disease is born with a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Those who have the gene will at some time develop the disease. Currently, there is no cure but there are many ways to manage symptoms effectively. Medication can be used to treat symptoms such as involuntary movements, depression and mood swings.

The creation of the new charity in the Island is designed to support people affected by the illness. The association intends to provide an informal setting for sufferers, carers, families, friends and health professionals. Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month at the St Helier Methodist Centre in Halkett Place.

Membership is open to all, not only to sufferers and their families. For further information contact Ms Le Monnier on 639268 or 07797 827440, or Mr Hopley on 485522 or 07797 746134.