TWO Rosyth women strutted their stuff at Glasgow's Dance 100 as they joined more than 50 Fifers who have been affected in some way by Huntington's Disease.

The big event at the city's George Square saw them moving and grooving for five hours, and 100 songs, as part of a sponsored challenge to raise awareness of the rare and incurable condition.

Suzanne Armit, 30, from Rosyth, helped to organise the event as a volunteer member of the charity's Dance 100 committee.

Her father, Thomas, had Huntington's Disease and the family has been supported by Scottish Huntington's Association for 20 years.

Sadly, Thomas passed away last year.

Suzanne said: "My family continues to be impacted by Huntington's Disease and it's important for us to come together and do something positive for the community.

"Dance 100 was an amazing event, I loved it from start to finish."

Despite having tested negative for the hereditary gene herself, Suzanne remains committed to raising awareness amongst the wider public.

Huntington's Disease is caused by an inherited faulty gene that damages the brain and can lead to loss of ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and swallow.

Sufferers may develop recurring jerky movements they can't control, early onset dementia and reduced ability to plan, organise and look after themselves.

Mental illness such as depression, anxiety and, in some people, psychosis, can also occur.

Volunteer co-chair of the Scottish Huntington's Association's Fife Family Branch, Claire McKechnie, 38, is also from Rosyth.

She organised a bus to transport local families to Glasgow for the event on May 14 – demand for places was so high that they had to open a waiting list.

"There was a real buzz about Dance 100 amongst our families and we're seeing a big shift with more people getting involved to help raise awareness," she said, "especially amongst the younger generation."

"It was a great way for everyone to get together; there were so many people supporting the day and reaching out to get involved and support.

"Dance 100 was the Fife branch's first official outing since the pandemic and it's really lifted the spirits of our families, carers and everyone who took part.

"For me, it really showed how we come together as a charity and as a community. I was introduced to families and carers from Fife who have recently joined the branch and I'm grateful to be able to help them in any way we can."

Claire and her sister Heather took over as voluntary co-chairs following the death of their dad Brian, who ran the group for more than 17 years.

His late mother had Huntington's, and this fuelled a determination to do what he could to help other families impacted by the incurable condition.

She added: "When dad passed away, Heather and I were honoured to be asked to continue in his place.

"We feel blessed not to be at risk of developing the disease, but we are grateful to be a part of the Huntington's community.

"It's important to both of us that we continue dad's legacy by supporting local families."

Scottish Huntington's Association is the only charity in the country dedicated exclusively to supporting the Huntington's Disease community.

The Fife branch meets regularly to provide support and social activities, as well as fundraise, including a regular 'pop-up shop' in Methil.

For more information about Huntington's Disease and the work of Scottish Huntington's Association, visit the charity's website.