News

South West MP leads the fight against muscle disease

Jeremy Browne MP opens South West Neuromuscular Conference in Taunton

Rockability - Fundraising concert in Scotland

Details of a fundraising night of comedy and live music at the Glasgow Barfly

MDC at Naidex Exhibition

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign will be exhibiting at NAIDEX 2008, the UK’s largest event for homecare, disability and rehabilitation. We will be at stand C86 providing information for all visitors to the NEC in Birmingham from 29 April to 1 May.

MDC London Marathon photographs

As usual, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign photographer was out and about on the 2008 London Marathon course.

Richard Bailey tried to get a photo of every fabulous fundraising Muscular Dystrophy Campaign runner, either during the run or afterwards at the reception at Central Hall.

Thank you to MDC Marathon Runners

Congratulations to all our fabulous marathon runners!

Statement on Mark Speight

We are devastated to hear about the tragic death of Mark Speight. Mark was a loyal supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s Young Pavement Artists Competition for eight years. As President of the competition he always showed great enthusiasm for the cause and raising the profile of muscular dystrophy.

HFE Bill debate - MDC offers patient view

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has had a prominent voice during the ongoing debate around the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Bill. We have provided statements on licencing, the question of a free vote and, importantly, offered a patient view.

Good luck to the London Marathon runners!

Everyone at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign would like to wish all our fabulous runners good luck for this Sunday's 2008 Flora London Marathon!

MDC statement on free vote on the HFE Bill

Director of Campaigns and Policy at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, Robert Meadowcroft, said:

"The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign regards the free vote as an issue for party management in Westminster. However, we do feel strongly that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill is necessary to allow vital research to go forward."

HFE Bill letter to MPs

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has signed up to a letter from the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and the Genetic Interest Group (GIG) that urges MPs to support the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Bill.

Brand new directory launched by the Wheel Life

A brand new directory of lifestyle and leisure activities for wheelchair users has just been launched. The Wheel Life Guide which has been created by the Wheel Life Community.

MDC statement on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has issued a statement on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

MDC launches Schools' Network

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has introduced a new Schools Network which is designed to help all children with neuromuscular conditions.

Apprentice star supports charity week

Ansell Henry, star from series two of the Apprentice, showed his support for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign by handing out prizes to the winning Morgan Hunt employees who raised the most money for people with muscle disease.

“Cross border patients failed in Wales” says Shadow Minister

David Jones MP, Shadow Minister for Wales, today challenged the Government during question time over the issue of Welsh patients with muscle disease seeking treatment across the border in England.

Welsh Assembly member questions Edwina Hart over MDC report

Welsh Assembly Member Dr Dai Lloyd challenged Health Minister Edwina Hart about the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's report, Building on the Foundations in Wales, and services for people with muscle disease in Wales.

MDC's first art exhibition puts muscle disease in the frame

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign curated an exciting exhibition called Perspectives on Muscle Disease: Life in Pictures at the Novas Gallery in London.

MDC co-hosts first muscle conference on translational research

Scientists, patients and clinicians from around the world recently attended the first Muscular Dystrophy Campaign conference on translational research.

Health services failing patients with rare illnesses in Wales says MDC

On 6 February 2008, a group of leading Welsh clinicians, patients and campaigners will present a hard-hitting report to First Minister Rhodri Morgan illustrating that the health service in Wales is failing patients with muscle disease.


Move to free England-wide bus passes for disabled people is supported by 9 out of 10

New research published today reveals that more than 90% of those entitled to the free England-wide bus pass are eagerly awaiting its introduction on April 1st 2008.


Charity reaches out to help hundreds of disabled children

MOVE, an innovative charity that helps physically disabled children develop mobility skills, is providing 200 free training places to extend its work into two new regions and benefit up to 1,200 of the country's most disabled children.

Launch of Disability Equality Information Events for disabled people in Kent

From April 2008, disabled people in Kent will have the opportunity to access unique Information Events which will enabled them to understand and challenge discrimination experienced in day-to-day life.


Job opportunities for disabled people in the UK

An accessible travel agency is offering employment opportunities for disabled people in the UK. In becoming franchisee, they could work from home and would have their own local area to cover

BA present MDC with £2,000 cheque thanks to employee

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign were presented with a £2,000 cheque from airline giant British Airways.

Premier Darts League adopt MDC as their fundraising Charity

A premier darts league in Tyne & Wear have chosen the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to be their main fundraising charity for 2008.

Autoadapt create the car seat that can swivel and recline

Now it is even easier to get in and out of the car with the car seat that can swivel and recline. Getting in and out of a car can be difficult for elderly people or those with disabilities and restricted movement.


Vitalise increases choice for disabled people and carers in 2008-2009

National disability charity Vitalise has announced its greatest ever range of quality breaks for disabled people and carers in its new 2008-9 brochure, launched in January 2008.



Darius Goes West now available on DVD

Award winning documentary Darius Goes West is now available on DVD

RadioActive work with MD Boys

RadioActive is an exciting project working with young people aged 11-25 in Hull and the East Riding

Join the Wheel Life community online

A community / lifestyle website created for wheelchair users, their friends and family. You can share your story with the rest of the wheelchair world.


MDC Professionals Network Meeting

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is pleased to invite you to the 2008 Professionals Network Meeting. The meeting designed for health and social care professionals, teaching and support staff working in a variety of disciplines with children and adults with neuromuscular conditions will take place on 14th May 2008 in Leeds.

Free New Year help for lone parents with disabled children

Over one quarter of Britain’s 1.9 million lone parents care for a sick or disabled child. One Parent Families|runs The Disabled Child Project which provides specialist advice and support to lone parents caring for a child with additional needs. Parents can call the Lone Parent Helpline for free specialist advice and can also request our free booklet, The Lone Parents’ Guide to Caring for a Child with Additional Needs

Services must improve for patients with muscle disease - demands MDC

Patients with neuromuscular diseases are faced with a fragmented, sub-standard system of care, with significant variations in survival across the UK, according to new evidence gathered by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Conquering the Sahara!

Between the 3 - 10 November, 24 intrepid explorers set their sights on the Sahara desert in Morocco, and spent five days in the inhospitable conditions that the desert had to offer.

Insurance broker Heath Lambert delivers unique solutions to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

On Saturday 1 December the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign launched its innovative partnership with Heath Lambert Affinity Partnerships. The new venture will see the two organisations working together to provide comprehensive travel cover for individuals living with muscle disease throughout the country.

Chance to join a film-making team at Channel 4

Do you think you can surpass Spielberg, better Nick Broomfield or make the perfect music video? Channel 4 is looking for deaf or disabled people to form a new filmmaking team called The Shooting Party.

Charity film preview of Chromophobia

A fundraising screening of Chromophobia, a thrilling drama directed by Martha Fiennes, sister of actor Ralph Fiennes, will be shown at the Phoenix Picturehouse in Oxford on Wednesday 14 November. The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with Martha Fiennes, director of photography, George Tiffin, actress Harriet Walter and other cast members.

Ten-year-old releases fundraising Christmas single

Ten-year-old Charlie Green has recently recorded an original Christmas song called Hands Around the World to support his friend and raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

MDC-supported consortium leads to Duchenne 'molecular patch' clinical trial

A gene therapy clinical trial begins this week which could offer new hope to boys and young men with muscular dystrophy.


Winner of the Young Pavement Artists Competition announced

A 10-year-old boy from Somerset has been announced as the overall winner of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's Young Pavement Artists Competition 2007. Arthur Morris's picture of parent penguins with their chick was unanimously praised by the judges.

Neurological Alliance Survey

The Neurological Alliance are launching an important on-line survey to understand more about the experiences of people with a neurological condition in getting the information and support they need.

Fab ‘N’ Funky 70s

Our 24th Microscope Ball at the Park Lane Hilton on Thursday 4 October broke all past fundraising records with guests generously raising over £300,000 for the charity.

Getting in and getting on: Skill's new guide encourages disabled students to apply to Higher Education

Getting in and getting on: Skill's new guide encourages disabled students to apply to Higher Education

Channel 5 DMD documentary - Monday 8 October 2007

This intimate documentary looked at the extraordinary courage of 19 year-old Stuart Wickison, a student at Treloar’s with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Mayor outlines measure to increase supply and choice of accessible homes in London

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone published two reports that aim to help increase the supply and choice of accessible homes available to disabled and Deaf Londoners.

National Conference and Big Push Fun Day

It wasn’t just the sun that was out on Saturday for our National Conference and Big Push Fun Day – an overwhelming number of members and supporters ventured to the Capital to show their support.

Mayor boosts disabled sports participation in London

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone today published ‘Inclusive and Active’ - an action plan designed to help increase the number of disabled people in London participating in any sport at any level.

Find a more accessible dealer at motability.co.uk and directenquiries.com

Disabled motorists can now pinpoint the most accessible dealers in their area, using a new search tool on the Motability website www.motability.co.uk.

The Time of her Life: A photographic biography

The Time of her Life, a photographic biography of Lesley McIntyre’s daughter, Molly, who died of an undiagnosed form of muscle disease, will be on display throughout September at the Photofusion Gallery in London.



Wheelchair Services User Questionnaire

To contribute to the ongoing data gathering exercise requested by the Minister, the TCEWS Programme is collecting information on current equipment being used and how Wheelchair Users feel about their equipment.

Join the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in giving muscle disease The Big Push

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has announced details of its brand new awareness week – The Big Push, which will run from 15 to 22 September 2007, with the website - www.thebigpush.org - going live this week. The site highlights ways in which the public can get involved with the campaign, which aims to give muscle disease ‘the big push’.

London Marathon 2007 photos on the web

The photographs taken at the London Marathon 2007 have been posted on the internet for everyone to look at, together with the availabiltity to buy them.