Extra care is still vital to those with Huntington's Disease as coronavirus restrictions start to ease, says a branch volunteer.

With shielding beginning to ease many sufferers are worried about going back to normality and Huntington’s Disease Association Cumbria branch member has stressed the impact coronavirus could have on suffers.

From July 6, those who have been required to have no contact with people outside of their household are no longer required to shield.

Dennis Whittaker, Cumbrian Huntington's Disease Association branch member and Huntington's family member explained: “Life expectancy for people with HD is 15 to 20 years from onset, with general health and fitness making a significant impact on this and the quality of life.

“Pneumonia is a major cause of death in sufferers, so staying healthy and particularly avoiding chest infection is critical.

"Mid and late stage sufferers struggle to clear their chests and airways due to the loss of motor function. There is some concern in medical quarters that sufferers from Covid-19 will be left with lung scarring. Hence shielding and extra care are extremely important.”

Mr Whittaker feels now is the right time to be easing lockdown.

He continued: “It would be very easy to continue the lockdown, but I think the impact on jobs and the economy would be incomprehensible.

“I would hope the vulnerable and extremely vulnerable would have the sense to continue to to be cautious about relaxing the lockdown/shielding guidelines, and that younger family members support and help them to do this.”

Lockdown has been affecting everyone’s lives, from not being able to go out, to not being able to see family and many being furloughed.

Karen Blick plays Lydia Dingle in Emmerdale and her character is waiting to find out if she has Huntington’s Disease.

One episode focuses solely on her in lockdown. Talking about filming she explained: “It felt strange at first filming in a socially distanced way.

"The biggest difference is no hugging or hand touching during an emotional scene when a character might comfort each other.

“Lydia struggled staying in and with the lack of social contact. She is a very practical person so wanted to shop, work and got very frustrated with Sam’s instance she stayed in.

"When she knew why Sam was wrapping her in cotton wool she tried to reassure him but in fact she was trying to brush it under the carpet and carry on.

“Lydia will be sensible regarding lockdown lifting and as a result of having time to think about her current situation with the possibility of Huntington’s looming she seriously considers the impact of this on her and those she loves. Lydia makes a big decision because of this in the coming weeks.”