Pete Clark writes with his news: "I moved into my own flat nearly 18 months ago it’s in a warden controlled complex of 15 flats where I have carers coming in twice a day and an alarm system I can use to call for help in an emergency 24 hours a day. At first I found the situation quite daunting and to be honest at times I felt a bit overwhelmed. Now I’m feeling much more settled and enjoying myself.

"Being part of the Southend Branch of the Huntington’s Disease Association has improved my quality of life enormously. On Wednesdays I go to the group’s allotment where my nickname is ‘Parsnip Pete’ (after a somewhat disasterous attempt at growing parsnips). There is a wonderful atmosphere and we have lots of fun...and endless cups of tea. The group has its meetings on a Thursday, where after news updates tea and cake there is opportunity to take part in exercises, followed by relaxation. Occasionaly there are events at the allotment such as mayday celebrations and day trips. Often I get inspiration from these to write poems that are then read out to the group (not by me as the quality of my speech is generally poor. In fact just a few months ago I received from my speech therapist, an iPad with text to speech software. I think this is going to be very useful as a back up, but I’m going to try not to rely on it.)

"I have also made a good friend at the Huntington group with similar taste in music and we have been to several concerts together. Last month we went on an amazing trip – a flight to see the Northern Lights, something I’d wanted to do for a long long time. Thanks to mum for making it possible."