This year we launched a new awareness day highlighting the 50:50 risk of inheriting Huntington's disease.
Odds And Socks Day is an inclusive fundraiser and awareness day where members of the community, professionals, schools, workplaces, staff and even our furry friends were able to get involved in the day.
The theme of 'odd socks' has been used to represent the 50:50 odds of inheriting the faulty Huntington's gene from a parent with the disease.
The day launched on 29 February which is a leap day and odd day for 2024. The launch also coincides with Rare Disease Day, a day which we as a rare disease community support year on year.
We were thrilled by how many people got involved and happy to share that we have raised over £10,000. The JustGiving page will remain open for anyone who wishes to still donate, share or add any final collections
The launch of Odds And Socks Day was a complete success. It could not have been done without the support of the community. We want to thank everyone who wore their odd socks, sent in your photographs, shared our posts, organised collections, raised money and donated.
Chief Executive of Huntington's Disease Association, Cath Stanley said:
We are the only organisation in England and Wales offering support to people affected by Huntington’s. Just £11.98 helps to pay for five really helpful information booklets for children to learn more about the disease. Thank you to those who took the leap of faith with us and wore your oddest, odd socks with pride!
Celebrity support
Former Coronation Street and Hollyoaks actor, Juan Pablo Yepez wore odd socks to support Huntington's disease awareness day. Juan is from Maracaibo, the second-largest city in Venezuela. In the local area there are more people with Huntington's disease than anywhere else in the world. From research in these villages, scientists including Nancy Wexler discovered the gene that cause Huntington's disease.
Our patron and longtime supporter, actor George Rainsford said:
This is an incredibly important cause and one that’s very close to my heart having played the character Ethan Hardy in Casualty who had the disease. I did a lot of research for that role and spoke to a lot of families affected by this condition which is passed on through the generations and leaves a devastating legacy. There are thousands of incredibly brave people out there living with the disease and I am wearing odd socks today to honour them and help raise money for the Huntington’s Disease Association, which does a fantastic job of supporting them.
Inventive ways you got involved
Ward five at Harplands Hospital, North Staffordshire took part in Odds And Socks Day. They asked the patients and staff to design a sock which they put up on the wall. Our Specialist Adviser, Lynsey Hughes and Glenys from the North Staffordshire branch joined on the day.
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