A charity which had its funding cut last week is being described as 'a lifeline'.

It has come from a woman whose husband has Huntington's Disease and whose daughter has tested positive for the illness which causes brain cells to degenerate.

The Huntington's Disease Association is one of 25 groups which last week lost some of its funding under a scheme from the Department of the Environment.

The 25 include some of the best known charities in the country like MS Ireland, the Alzheimer's Society and Autism Action.

Huntington's is a hereditary neurological disorder that causes brain cell degeneration, leading to deterioration of the physical, cognitive and emotional self.

Within the same family symptoms can vary and may include involuntary movements, speech impairment, difficulties planning and organising tasks and changes in motivation. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 45, although they may appear earlier or later.

The woman - who does no want to be identified - explained some of her family history to Newstalk Breakfast.

She also says it is hard to look at photos of her husband before he got sick.

*The names used in this audio are aliases*