Super fundraiser Helen Martin from Douglas said a big thank you to the Manx public after she was named as a charity’s most inspiring fundraiser.

Mrs Martin, a 48-year-old activities co-ordinator from Tynwald Road, raised a total of £14,000 and was named as the top fund raiser for 2017 for the Huntington’s Disease Association.

The award came after she spent a year fundraising for the charity in 2017.

Her marathon effort got underway in January when she had a headshave along with a raffle and karaoke evening where she raised £9,450.

But her toughest challenge was yet to come when, on April 1, she pledged to give up alcohol for six months.

To celebrate an end to her abstinence in September, she had an 80s disco and raffle.

’Giving up alcohol was definitely the hardest part,’ she said.

’The head shave was fine in comparison.

’But the amount raised was phenomenal and it’s not just about the money but also educating people about Huntington’s disease.’

Mrs Martin said she became involved in fundraising and publicising the plight of Huntington’s disease sufferers after a family member was diagnosed.

She said even the family doctor had proved to be unfamiliar with the illness.

At the same time as her fundraising crusade, in January last year, she started a support group for people affected by the illness: the Huntington’s Disease Isle of Man charity.

’The island didn’t have anything like that so I thought it needed to be done,’ she said.

’It’s a discussion and support group and we also offer help to people attending workshops and seminars off island sometimes.

’Money raised can also be used to buy specialist equipment.’

The degenerative neurological disease exhibits a range of symptoms similar to Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, motor neurone disease and dementia. As yet there is no cure and patients usually have around a 15-year life expectancy from the onset, she said.

During the year, Mrs Martin also organised five bucket collections all contributing to her grand total of £14,000.

Initially, she was named as one of 17 nominated for the Huntington’s Most Inspiring Fundraiser Award, then she was whittled down to the final five.

Presentation

At the awards presentation at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool in July, in front of other fundraisers, and her family, she was announced as the 2018 winner.

In a short speech, she said living in the Isle of Man, community spirit and generosity were amazing, and she was proud to be part of that.

She said she was honoured to receive the award, but dedicated it to all those who helped or donated in any way.

’I’m very proud of what we achieve here in the Isle of Man and of the generosity of the Manx public,’ she said.

More information about Mrs Martin’s support group charity can be found on Facebook.