Community spirit

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's mission is improve the quality of life for people with muscle disease. We lead the search for treatments and cures, and strive to provide the best care and information possible.

To do so we rely on the generosity and kindness of people who take the time and effort to fundraise. And those who dig deep into their pockets to sponsor or donate.

So, a big thanks to everyone in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man who helps to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Find out who in the community has been fundraising ...

The Power of Love

Following the initial shock of two young brothers being diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in July 2005, the Grant and McAnulty families promptly sprang into action to help further improve treatments and find a cure for the condition.

The goal is to raise as much money as possible to advance the work of Professor Dickson and his team at Royal Holloway and Bedford College, London.

The family recruited and inspired a team of volunteers and supporters and the McAnulty/Grant Family Group was formed. Following ballots, Auctions, collection boxes, dances, a swimming challenge, donations and running the Dublin Marathon an awesome £37 000 has been raised to date.

Whilst the fundraising continues, the team shall also be focusing their energies into campaigning for greater statutory investment for medical research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Our sincere thanks to the McAnulty/Grant Family Group and their enthusiastic team for their dedication in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy – an inspiration to us all!

A Great Lady Honoured

Sixty guests recently attended a ceremony in Warrenpoint Town Hall to unveil a portrait of Renee Cooper.

Many tributes were paid to Renee who sadly died a few years ago, including a message received from the President of Ireland.

Renee was active in many areas of her rich life including work with the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign where she was chair of the South Down and South Armagh branch, chair of the Northern Ireland Council and member of the national council.

It was a wonderful evening of celebration for a very special person.

Dive in shark-infested waters to raise money...

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is appealing to plucky people throughout the Province to swim with sharks to raise funds for the fight against muscle disease.

The ongoing challenge takes place with 10-foot sand tiger sharks at Deep-Sea World, Scotland. Participants dive amidst one of Europe’s largest collection of sharks, as well as 2000 other fish, rays and conger eels. Scuba equipment and training is provided under Professional Association of Diving Instructors guidelines. Assistance with transport to and from Scotland is available for supporters who raise at least £350.

A recent participant said “This is a unique opportunity to be part of an Underwater Safari that gives you the chance to be ‘eyeball to eyeball’ with one of nature’s most feared creatures of the deep. The shark exhibit is based upon the cooler waters around the UK, allowing the sharks to adapt to a slow and gentle pace of life, ideal for close and safe encounters by divers.”

If you would like information on how to take part, email the Regional Fundraising Manager, Glenn Oakes, at n-ireland@muscular-dystrophy.org


Volunteer your time to help raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

Millennium Club

The Millennium Club has 343 members who pay £5 a month to enter into a monthly draw. As there are 343 members, the current cash prize stands at £343.

A separate draw to win £1000 also takes place on 23 June 2006.

If you would like information on how to take part, email the Regional Fundraising Manager, Glenn Oakes, at n-ireland@muscular-dystrophy.org

Big Help from the Big Lottery

We are very grateful to The Big Lottery Fund, who have generously agreed to contribute £97,361 over the next three years to further advance the work of the Regional Care Advisor in Northern Ireland.

More about the Branches Return to the Northern Ireland & the Isle of Man front page.