Hiking isn’t an everyday activity, but this year we’re pushing ourselves—physically and mentally—for an important cause.
This year, the U.K. team is taking on a new challenge: hiking Yr Wyddfa (formerly Snowdon) in support of the Huntington’s Disease Association on September 12, 2025.
What is Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease is a hereditary condition caused by a faulty gene that affects the brain and nervous system. Over time, it leads to a progressive breakdown of nerve cells, impacting movement, cognitive ability, and emotional regulation. Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 30 and 50, though they can appear earlier in cases of Juvenile Huntington’s disease.
The gene that causes Huntington’s is often called the huntingtin gene (HTT). It’s located on chromosome number four and produces a protein that’s essential for brain development before birth and for the health of nerve cells throughout life. When the gene is faulty, it creates an abnormal version of the protein, which gradually damages neurons in specific areas of the brain.
Because the condition is genetic, every child of a parent with Huntington’s has a 50% chance of inheriting it. There is currently no cure, but organisations like the Huntington’s Disease Association work tirelessly to support families, raise awareness, and fund research into treatments—and hopefully, one day, a cure.
