“I really enjoy my art sessions. My art makes me happy and make me feel relaxed. I quite like getting messy, too!"

Liam is 27 years old, and he loves animals, movies, sci-fi, and being outdoors. He lives with Huntington's Disease, and since being in the care of St Andrew's Healthcare's specialist brain injury unit, he has embraced all of the therapy and activities on offer.

One of Liam's favourite things is being creative in our Arts studio. He has tried his hand with many mediums, including leaf rubbing, marbling, t-shirt design, paper craft, painting and felting. Today he has been supported to make a paper chain snake - complete with googly eyes and a forked tongue - from paper strips he marbled in a previous art session.

Alison Williams, Visual Arts Technical Instructor, has been working with Liam for nearly two years. She explained: "Liam's really creative! He often comes to our sessions with ideas, which we work together to bring to life. He has recently made a brilliant t-shirt, which we've just ironed for him to take back to his room - though I know he's running out of space in his bedroom as he's made so many creative pieces."

Alison works within St Andrew's team of Occupational Therapists (OT). Our OT's see beyond diagnoses and limitations to hopes and aspirations; they look at relationships between the activities individuals do every day – occupations – alongside the challenges people face and their environment.

"We work closely with Liam to support him to do what he wants to do, working with his limitations so he achieves something every week he can be proud of,” said Alison. The sessions are always fun and interactive, as Liam explained: “I really enjoy my art sessions. My art makes me happy and make me feel relaxed. I quite like getting messy, too!"

Liam uses a wheelchair, and he is supported by two members of staff during his weekly sessions.

Daniel Heap, Technical Instructor, is one of Liam’s supporters. He explained: "Liam is always so motivated to come to these sessions and have that valuable 1:1 time doing something that he loves! He is always so focused and despite some of the physical challenges he may face, this doesn't stop him from making some awesome-detailed pieces of work. Myself and Alison are always on hand to promote Liam's independence when doing his artwork and seeing the pride in his face when he finishes a project speaks for itself! Liam even said recently to me after a session that he feels that he is improving each week and is always excited to start something new."

Liam's next project is a Transformers movie collage for his bedroom door, and he's helped Alison to make a list of characters - both Autobots and Decepticons - that he would like to include in his piece. Liam's also helping Daniel with a game for a festival-style event being held in September. "We're holding our very own Neuro-bury, which is guaranteed to be even more fun than Glastonbury! I'll be working with Liam on a throwing game, and we'll be painting a 70's inspired Hispter, which will be a target for people to throw glitter balls through," said Dan.

What is Huntington's Disease?

Huntington’s Disease is an extremely rare, genetic neurodegenerative condition which affects the central nervous system, impacting on the individual’s muscle control, their ability to speak and swallow, as well as their cognition and mental health.

However with the right support and care, individuals with HD can live fun and meaningful lives. At St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton, we care for people with the disease, ensuring they – and their families – receive the care, advice and support they need.