Ashlee Duffy, 20, of Governor's Hill, whose mum has the disease, found out earlier this year that she had inherited the gene which means she will develop the brain disorder when she gets older.

She plans to raise awareness about the condition and £5,000 for the Huntington's Disease Association in April by walking 50 miles in a week along the ancient wall.

'Fundraising for the Huntington's Disease Association is really important to me as my mum is currently suffering from this disease and the effect on our family so far has torn us all apart,' she said.

'Living in the Isle of Man has made things much more difficult because of the lack of knowledge about this disease. My mum has received very little support over here, this is why I am determined to create awareness and raise money for Huntington's Disease.'

She added: 'I found out in August that I have also inherited the disease.

'I watch my mum battling away with this disease doing all I can to help her knowing that one day that will be me.

'I just hope that people and professionals will be more educated on the disease by the time I find myself in that position.'

She said she did not want the test results to stop her from achieving her life ambitions.

'After finding out my new found knowledge — most people would view this as being given a death sentence — it's been really hard to be upbeat and accomplish things I want in life.

'I tend to ask myself what's the point?. Some people would give up on dreams and goals they had before being tested, I refuse to do that.

'I have so many things in life I want to accomplish. That is why I have decided to do the Great Wall of China trek in aid of the Huntington's Disease Association.'

Ashlee, a corporate administrator at Douglas solicitors Stuart Smalley & Co, has raised £2,700 so far and she is walking and cycling in her spare time in preparation for the challenge.

She thanked local companies, including Alliance and Leicester which recently donated essential kit, friends and family for their generous donations.

To support Ashlee go to www.justgiving.com/team_cure_hd or phone 200648.