University researcher scoops prestigious award from Huntington’s Disease Association
(Left) Cath Stanley, Chief Executive of the Huntington's Disease Association and Dr Sarah Gunn
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Sarah Gunn has received a prestigious award from the Huntington’s Disease Association.
The Founders’ Award recognises people or groups who go above and beyond to help the Huntington’s community, mirroring the dedication of the charity’s original founders in 1971.
A delighted Dr Gunn, who works in the University of Leicester’s School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, said: “The Founders Award is a huge honour and I was gobsmacked to even be considered for it and incredibly appreciative. I feel very lucky and honoured. I didn’t expect it at all.”
She received the accolade at the Association’s annual awards ceremony in Liverpool in July.
Dr Gunn, who co-leads the East Midlands Huntington’s Disease Network (EMHDN) which works to support those with a diagnosis and their families, was recently awarded nearly £2 million from Wellcome to tackle the emotional challenges which come with Huntington’s disease (HD).
She is working closely with individuals who have lived experience of HD to create new, practical resources and guidance that can be used by families, healthcare professionals, the third sector, and researchers. The tools aim to shape future research and provide tangible improvements in how HD mental health is understood and supported in the UK and elsewhere.
Dr Gunn has also recently published a book, ‘Coping with Huntington’s: A Path to Better Mental Wellbeing’ out now by publisher Routledge, in collaboration with the Association of Clinical Psychologists (ACP-UK).
In it, she describes her career supporting people affected by HD and unveils her own personal connection to the life-limiting condition which she discovered later in life.
Speaking about Sarah’s award, Cath Stanley, Chief Executive of the Huntington’s Disease Association said: “Over the years, the charity has had the privilege of working closely with Sarah, whose warmth, expertise and commitment have made a real difference to people affected by Huntington’s disease and their families. Sarah has been instrumental in developing and delivering the ‘Keeping Yourself in Mind’ courses for the Huntington's community.
“Her contribution to the work of the Huntington’s Disease Association spans education, events, communications and policy, and she is generous with her time, insight and care. Beyond this, Sarah works across national and international networks and research collaborations. Her dedication continues to make a lasting and meaningful difference to the Huntington’s disease community.”
HD is an inherited condition which gradually affects movement, thinking, emotions, and eventually leads to early death. Physical symptoms typically begin between the ages of 30 and 50, although emotional and cognitive difficulties may start much sooner.
Around 8,000 people in the UK live with the condition, which can have a serious impact on mental health. People who carry the HD gene expansion may experience low mood, anxiety, irritability and thoughts of self-harm, and their family and caregivers can also be significantly affected.