Marathon raises Huntington's Disease awareness

Residents and staff at Colonia Court Bupa Care Home watched on with delight as their Activities Coordinator, Nicky Steadman, ran a marathon around the home’s grounds to support Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month.

Nicky completed the 26.2 miles in 7 hours and 12 seconds and raised £940 for the Huntington’s Disease Association (HDA), a charity which aims to enable everyone affected by Huntington's disease to live life to their full potential with dignity and respect.

Residents and staff cheered Nicky on from the side lines, with some even jumping in on the action for parts of the run, adding to the excitement of the day.

Nicky said: “Doing a marathon around the home’s grounds was the perfect idea as residents and staff could come out to cheer me on or take part if they wanted to. It was so much fun and the support from everyone was brilliant. It’s for such an important cause and I’m glad to be able to do my bit to raise further awareness and vital funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association.”

Nicky’s dedication to supporting the HDA is remarkable. This year alone, she has completed a 47-mile run around Lake Windermere and taken on the challenge of the 20-mile East Devon mixed terrain running race, The Grizzly.

Cath Stanley, Chief Executive of the Huntington’s Disease Association, said: "Thank you to Nicky for her unique fundraising efforts. What a fantastic achievement to not only run a marathon but also run it around the care home so residents could watch and feel part of it!

"Every penny raised will help us continue the vital work we do for people affected by Huntington’s disease. Together, we will build a better life for anyone affected by Huntington’s disease."

Colonia Court Bupa Care Home is situated in Colchester, Essex and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with dementia, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s. The home was awarded 'Quality Assured' status from the Huntington’s Disease Association in September 2023 and is one of just five homes in England to attain this prestigious recognition.

click here for more details or to contact Colonia Court Care Home