As the roller coaster climbed upwards, I could feel my stomach-turning. Panic rose inside me, but despite the fear of the impending drop, I’d never felt so alive. It was May 2011, and in that moment, I knew that whatever the future held for me, I had to make sure I never stopped living my life to the fullest.
In 1999, my mum Myra, then 66, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease (HD). A neurological condition, it stops the brain from working properly, affecting speech, movement, memory and personality.
Although I worked as a nurse, I didn’t know anything about the condition and the diagnosis came as a shock. Progressive and incurable, it was awful to see Mum fade away.
Soon after, I gave birth to my daughter Emily, in 2001, but just months later, Mum died. I was devastated, and now a mum myself, I was terrified about what it meant for my family.
Caused by a faulty gene, HD is a hereditary condition, and there was a 50 per cent chance I’d develop it, too.
‘You can take a test,’ the doctor informed me, but I wasn’t ready. Instead, I threw myself into raising my own family with my husband.
My daughter Kerry was born in 2002, followed by Gemma in 2007, and I concentrated on being the best mum that I could be.
FACING FEARS
I got in touch with Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA), who offered counselling and advice, and their support was a lifeline.
But after my marriage broke down in 2011, something shifted. I hated the uncertainty hanging over my future, and with counselling, I felt ready to face my fear.
ãã®èšäºã¯ WOMAN'S OWN ã® October 05, 2021 çã«æ²èŒãããŠããŸãã
7 æ¥éã® Magzter GOLD ç¡æãã©ã€ã¢ã«ãéå§ããŠãäœåãã®å³éžããããã¬ãã¢ã ã¹ããŒãªãŒã9,000 以äžã®éèªãæ°èã«ã¢ã¯ã»ã¹ããŠãã ããã
ãã§ã«è³Œèªè ã§ã ?  ãµã€ã³ã€ã³
ãã®èšäºã¯ WOMAN'S OWN ã® October 05, 2021 çã«æ²èŒãããŠããŸãã
7 æ¥éã® Magzter GOLD ç¡æãã©ã€ã¢ã«ãéå§ããŠãäœåãã®å³éžããããã¬ãã¢ã ã¹ããŒãªãŒã9,000 以äžã®éèªãæ°èã«ã¢ã¯ã»ã¹ããŠãã ããã
ãã§ã«è³Œèªè ã§ã? ãµã€ã³ã€ã³
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasnât one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset Iâll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether itâs making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when sheâs had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises sheâs inheriting more and more of her motherâs traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?