Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading UK charity focusing on muscular dystrophy and other related conditions. They are dedicated to beating muscular dystrophy and other related conditions by finding treatments and cures and to improving the lives of everyone affected by them.
The charity focuses on five main areas:
- funding world-class research to find effective treatments and cures
- providing practical information, advice and emotional support for individuals with muscular dystrophy and other related conditions, their carers and families
- campaigning to bring about change and raise awareness of muscular dystrophy and other related conditions
- awarding grants towards the cost of specialist equipment, such as powered wheelchairs
- providing specialist education and development for health professionals.
The charity was founded in 1959 (then known as the Muscular Dystrophy Group) by Lord Walton of Detchant, to help families and children living with muscular dystrophy, and to raise money to fund research to find the causes of and cures for muscular dystrophy. Since then diagnosis of the different forms of muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases has improved hugely and the charity now provides support for more than 60 different muscle-wasting conditions, as well as funding many key research developments.
Lord Attenborough served as the charity’s President for 30 years, until 2002, when he became an Honorary Life President. Lord Attenborough remains an inspirational supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and the Richard Attenborough Fellowship Fund has been established to honor his commitment to world-class research.
Sue Barker took over the role of President in 2004, and is an active supporter, attending many charity events including the charity’s annual national conferences.
Prince Philip became Patron of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in 1966 and has been a much-valued supporter ever since.