A TEENAGE supermarket worker is staging a variety show to fund research into a rare disease which has targeted his family.

Sixteen-year-old Josh Cunnington, who works on the vegetables section at Sainsbury’s, in Northallerton, is organising the event at the town’s Hambleton Forum, following the death of his grandfather from Huntington’s disease.

His mother and aunt have also been diagnosed with the degenerative genetic disorder that commonly becomes noticeable in middle age.

Josh, who lives with his older sister Claire, said he had been shocked to witness how the disease, which affects one in every 10,000 Britons, progresses from a lack of muscle co-ordination to cognitive decline and dementia.

He said: “There’s a 50 per cent chance that me and my sisters, Claire and Molly, will inherit the disease, which there is currently no cure for. It is very worrying.”

Josh said he would pay the £37- an-hour it costs to hire the district’s largest venue out of his wages to ensure all funds raised on the night go the Huntington’s Disease Association to help find a cure for the disease.

The line-up for the show includes winners of this year’s Culture Shock Festival, dance troupe Dizfunktional, comedians, singer Jasmine Cerrato, dancing dogs Max and Alfie, performances by Northallerton Gymnastics Club and local rock bands.

After learning of the event, Councillor John Coulson, Mayor of Northallerton, who owns a printing firm, offered to help Josh with publicity.

Coun Coulson said: “Josh should be congratulated on his achievements so far. We have a lot of youths doing excellent work within our community, but this is particularly impressive.”

Dave Burn, Sainsbury’s regional operations manager, said everyone at the store was very proud of Josh.

He said: “His tireless commitment in organising this concert is a shining example to others of what you can do when you put your mind to it. I am sure all his colleagues and customers will support him 100 per cent.”

Tickets to the event, which starts at 6.30pm on Saturday, December 10, cost £5 and can be reserved at highdiversity.co.uk or by calling 07703-663268.