Muscular Dystrophy UK

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve appointed Andrew Fletcher as our new Chief Executive. Andy joins from Together for Short Lives, the UK charity for children’s palliative care, where he is currently Chief Executive. At Together for Short Lives, Andy has led significant growth in the charity’s impact and income, extending support for families and professionals, supporting quality improvement in palliative care and successfully advocating for better funding. We look forward to welcoming Andy to the team in November. Read more here: https://loom.ly/kTayb10

Last weekend, we hosted a Scottish Disability Sport event, and here’s the impact it had: 🌟 Children from across Scotland gathered to try out sports like curling, powerchair football, boccia, and swimming. 💪 Each sport was tailored to their needs, giving every child the chance to shine, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships. 🤝 Families connected, shared experiences, and discovered more about the support available to them. The energy was electric and the community spirit was stronger than ever. Here’s a massive thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable! 🎉 #InclusiveSports #ScottishDisabilitySport

Holly lives with chronic pain as a result of her FSHD diagnosis. ❇️ So her mum, Carly decided to raise awareness about her condition. 🚶♀️Carly, a seasoned Kiltwalker with six events under her belt, rallied the whole family this month. They laced up their walking boots for their 'wee wonder' to raise funds during the Dundee Kiltwalk. "Holly’s condition means that she relies on a wheelchair whenever we go out," Carly said. She added that Holly has a personality that makes everyone laugh. The family raised over £1,000 to help us change the future of muscle wasting conditions. Read the full story: https://loom.ly/-Su7Nz8 #Kiltwalk #TeamHolly #FSHDawareness

We're putting third party clinical trials right at the heart of our community 🧡 Our Community Research Hub has the latest Duchenne, Becker and myotonic dystrophy trials. Each initiative is backed by leading academic institutions, committed students, and respected charitable organisations. Together, we’re fostering a community dedicated to transforming the future of muscle wasting conditions. Learn more: https://loom.ly/rT0DvAg #Research #ClinicalTrial

Nobody will remember: - your salary - how “busy" you were - how many hours you worked People living with a muscle wasting condition will remember: - the helpline team offering support when they were feeling isolated after a muscle wasting or weakening diagnosis. - the friendships they formed during our local muscle groups. - the expert information they received from our information days held across the UK.

Konstantina was "shocked" by the lack of accessibility in the courtroom. She decided to do something about it. 💼 She's a determined trainee barrister living with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but her passion for helping vulnerable people failed by the justice system keeps her going. During her first work experience she was forced to park her wheelchair in a corridor because of the lack of space in the courtroom - not much has changed since then. That’s why Konstantina founded Bringing [Dis]Ability to the Bar, an organisation dedicated to improving access for disabled aspiring barristers. ❇️ We're trying to make the workplace more accessible too. Today, we’re thrilled to launch our Employability Service for those with muscle wasting or weakening conditions. Whether you're starting your career or need support to keep working safely, we’re here to help! Read Konstantina's story: https://loom.ly/zDrA66Q

A step forward to finding better treatments faster 🔬 The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre @ Newcastle University is upgrading patient registries to a new platform developed by Newcastle University. This upgrade is funded by companies working on muscle wasting conditions. It will enhance data quality, streamline research, and accelerate the discovery of life-changing treatments. 💡 This marks a pivotal moment for everyone living with these conditions. Learn more about this breakthrough in Helen Walker's latest blog: https://loom.ly/tbxr17w #StrongerTogether #ResearchForCures #JWMDRC

“Of the places I’ve been, I’ve found Canada to be one of the most accessible.” ✈️ Joe has explored places like Kenya, Greece, Hong Kong, and Canada as a wheelchair user. While the journeys weren't always easy, they were always worth it. Canada, in particular, stands out for its accessibility. From Ontario’s accessible train services to Alberta’s smooth city infrastructure and beautiful outdoors, it’s a place he highly recommends. Joe shared some invaluable tips on flying as a wheelchair user—don’t miss out on his insights and stories from his travel adventures! Read more here: https://loom.ly/ZUB0fhc #AccessibleTravel #TravelTips

Are you passionate about both scientific research and impactful communication? We're looking for an energetic and motivated Research Communications Manager to become a key member of our team. In this role, you will: 🔬 Transform intricate scientific concepts into compelling and accessible content 📣 Drive the creation and implementation of innovative research communication strategies 🤝 Partner with researchers and healthcare professionals 📈 Elevate awareness of groundbreaking research and pioneering advancements in the field Apply by Thursday 29 August: https://loom.ly/I4QC_QI

"Growing up, I remember my dad struggling with stairs and being in a wheelchair for the last 20 years of his life, but what I really remember him for is his humour, intelligence and love of sports." In honour of Jeff, who lived with Becker muscular dystrophy and passed away in 2011, Matt, his son, took part in our Game On fundraiser. As a keen online gamer, he organised one of the first-ever PCA Sim Racing 24-hour endurance races. Joined by three fellow sim racing enthusiasts, they collectively raised an incredible £1,500 for our cause. 🕹️🏎️ Read the full story: https://loom.ly/gnMMpRQ