A HOUSTON woman has raised thousands of pounds for a charity which provides support for her sister and others living with a devastating neurological disease.

Margaret Moncrieff, 75, and five friends battled through the rain to trek for three miles along the banks of the River Clyde from Erskine in support of people with Huntington’s Disease (HD).

The condition is known to impact entire families over generations, with each child of a person with HD having a 50 per cent chance of inheriting the illness.

Margaret, who has been organising the annual Walk of Hope in Erskine since 2012, said she was “astonished” to raise more than £2,000 this year.

“I didn’t expect so much money this year, it’s been amazing,” she told The Gazette.

“I organise these walks to raise funds for the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA), as it has provided great support to my sister and her family.

“It is important to support the charity because HD really is a desperate condition to live with and can place an awful strain on families.”

The condition can take many years to develop, with Margaret’s sister being diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago, at the age of 58.

As HD progresses, it can affect a person’s movement, thinking processes and mental health.

Margaret said: “It is a very slow illness and we believe my sister is now in the last stages of the condition, as she has been very poorly for the past five years.

“She is now unable to make simple decisions, such as whether to have a cup of tea or coffee.”

Lee Johnstone, head of fundraising at SHA, said volunteers such as Margaret make the charity’s life-changing work possible.

“We are grateful for her fantastic support over the years,” he added. “We also thank her friends who took part in the Walk of Hope and gave donations.”

Among those who have supported Margaret are fellow members of the Houston and Killellan Kirk.

Margaret added: “I would also like to thank the staff and partners at Walker Laird Solicitors for their contributions, as well as donations from friends, family and strangers.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond