Projects we fund

We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations and legacies to provide vital care, research and campaigning projects.

Here are some of the projects our supporters have helped to fund:

Clinical and care services

Specialised muscle centres around the UK provide clinics for thousands of people with muscle disease each year. The multi-disciplinary teams ensure that patients have access to the best diagnostic and medical care available, including support from our Care Advisors.

Family weekends and information days enable people affected by muscle disease to meet others in a similar situation and allow the charity to deliver vital support and information.

Scientific and clinical research

As part of our ongoing commitment to find potential cures and treatments, we currently support 28 research projects and clinical trials that cover 15 different types of muscle disease.

This cutting edge research is making huge strides towards therapies and cures for some of the most devastating forms of the disease. Projects usually span three years and cost, on average, £160,000. We approve approximately seven new projects each year.

Policy, campaigning and education

We take the lead in drawing together individuals, families, clinicians and elected representatives to press for change and to make sure that the voice of people living with muscle disease is at the very heart of our campaigning.

Our key campaign during 2007-08 – Building on the Foundations – lobbied governments and devolved assemblies to improve access to specialist neuromuscular services in order to improve independence and quality and length of life.

Joseph Patrick Trust (JPT)

JPT is the charity’s welfare fund. It provides vital financial support towards specialist equipment such as powered wheelchairs, adapted computers and electric beds, to help promote mobility and independence for people with muscle disease.