Horsham family’s 200-mile trek for Huntingdon’s disease charity

The Harmans from Lime Avenue, and other relatives, set off from Brighton on Sunday (August 16) to trek to Brean Down in Somerset, a distance of over 200 miles in just ten days.

They are raising money for the Huntington’s Disease Association and have so far had donations to the tune of £1,260.

Pippa Harman, 46, is leading the effort which will see the group walk from the South Coast to just outside Weston-Super-Mare.

Both locations hold sentimental value for the families, with Brighton Pier being a place of fond memories, and Brean Down being the family’s childhood home.

The walk is an important event for the Harmans who have a very personal history with the disease. Pippa’s grandfather, father and sister have been lost to the illness.

She said: “We’re hoping to raise awareness about Huntington’s as it’s not that well known.” All the money raised will go toward the charity who exist to support people affected by the disease and provide specialist advice.

Huntington’s Disease Association chief executive said: “The contribution of the Harman family and our other incredibly dedicated fundraisers is invaluable in raising awareness of Huntington’s disease.”

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary disorder of the nervous system.

The illness is caused by a faulty gene on chromosome four, which leads to damage to nerve cells in important areas of the brain and can lead to physical and mental changes.

This is not the first time the family have raised money for the Huntington Disease Association, with Pippa’s daughter Sadie having completed a parachute jump in the past.

The group of seven will be camping on route and currently include Pippa’s family with her three daughters taking part.

Donations to the Harmans’ effort can be made on uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving under the name Lizzie Harman.

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