A charity fitness class in aid of a degenerative disease has raised more than £800.

Paracise for Huntington’s was organised by Donna Whalley from Paracise with Donna, and Helen Martin who runs Huntington’s Disease Isle of Man.

Paracise is exercise for people with limited mobility.

The charity raises money both for an on-island support network and towards research into finding a cure for the disease in the UK.

On Tuesday , the class was held at Glencrutchery Hall in Douglas, where about 70 women and one man took part in an hour-long session, which included a raffle.

Helen said: ’The raffle was started off with Donna’s Port Erin class and then the Peel class.

’The event came together because I was talking to Donna about running the charity and she said if there was anything she could do she would, so we came up with the idea of doing this and it’s well timed as May is Huntington’s Awareness Month.’

Helen is joined in running the charity by committee members Loraine Watson, whose mother had HD and she and Helen decided to work together on the support network and charity.

She said that for sufferers and their families there was ’no support’ in the island and that they had worked hard to change that.

They’re joined in their hard work by Ashlee Duffy, whose mother also has the disease.

Ashlee said: ’I saw the support group on Facebook so I started going along and then I joined the committee last year.’

Helen explained that some of the money raised on the night will go towards family weekends in the UK, where workshops and support groups are held and give people the chance to discuss ideas or initiatives as well as having some family time.

The Courier spoke to two women who take part in the class, Audrey Cheddy from Anagh Coar, and Kath Clucas from Willaston.

Audrey said: ’This is only the second time I’ve been to one of the classes and I came along tonight to support the charity. I find it all very good.

’There’s no pressure. Everyone is very friendly and when you get to a certain age, the exercise is great motivation to get out.’

Kath added: ’I joined with Audrey, we came along tonight to support the charity. It’s good to be able to help local people and charities. I’ve enjoyed it and Donna’s lovely.’

Donna added: ’I am overwhelmed with the level of support we received on Tuesday evening.

’A huge thank you to everyone who came along on the night and all of those who couldn’t attend and still supported.’

For more information on the HDA, search Huntington’s Disease Isle of Man on Facebook, email [email protected] or ring 402625. And to find out more about Paracise, contact Donna on Facebook Paracise with Donna, call 492132 or email [email protected].