I suffer with Huntington’s Disease and have gambled away £15,000 savings
DEAR DEIDRE: IT’S devastating enough that I have Huntington’s disease, which means part of my brain has ceased to work, but now I’ve learned it has led to me gambling away my £15,000 savings.
I’m a 46-year-old single man and am in the early stages of the disease, but I’m fully aware it will lead to difficulty with concentrating, lapses of memory, stumbling and clumsiness.
The erratic decisions have already begun and I got the shock of my life recently when I looked at my bank statement to see I had spent all my savings in two months.
I’m devastated, as I was going to use it to get help for my condition.
I hate this disease. It’s left me open to neglect and I’m furious this gambling company simply turned a blind eye and took the money.
I’m completely lost now.
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DEIDRE SAYS: It’s not unusual for someone with Huntington’s to be reckless with money – it’s a recognised part of the disease.
Anyone who gambles is taken to accept the possibility they will make more losses than wins.
That being said, you’re a vulnerable person due to your Huntington’s disease.
With support, you should ask for advice from the Gambling Commission about your case, and what standards the regulator has set for its members regarding vulnerable people with conditions that impact decision-making.
Also, contact the Huntington’s Disease Association (, 0151 331 5444) for advice.
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