RECENTLY, the Muscular Dystrophy UK Stronger Together Awards took place, in association with Airnow Technology and hosted by the charity’s President, sports anchor, podcaster and author, Gabby Logan OBE.
There were 11 awards presented, celebrating success in volunteering, fundraising, caring, campaigning, community support and research. Individuals were recognised by Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, for their support and achievements over the last 12 months.
The ceremony took place at Salesforce Tower in London on the evening of Monday, 20 April. Gabby Logan said:
“It was an honour to host Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Stronger Together Awards and celebrate the outstanding achievements of people in the muscle wasting community.
“The charity’s annual awards are a chance to highlight some of the incredible work that goes on, often behind the scenes, from people campaigning and taking on incredible fundraising challenges to individuals caring for and supporting others. And of course, the inspiring scientists and neuromuscular specialists who are helping people in our community.
“All 11 awards were presented to deserving winners, and it was a privilege to hear their stories, as well as those who were shortlisted. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supports Muscular Dystrophy UK. Together, we can make a real difference and change the future of muscle wasting conditions.”
Meet the award winners
Community Support Champion – Winner: Joe Logue
Joe Logue, 41, from Johnstone, near Glasgow, lives with Becker muscular dystrophy and channels his experience into everything he does. He has inspired many people in the community through the content he shares on his website ‘Dystrophy Dad’ and travels up and down the UK in his role as community manager at the disabled access charity Euan’s Guide, documenting his experience as a wheelchair user and reviewing accessibility at key transport hubs and in popular destinations.
Highly Commended: Priyaneet Kainth for her work helping to raise awareness and expand the South Asian Neuromuscular Community Group.
Volunteer of the Year – Winner: Andrew Norman
Consistently going above and beyond to support charity events, Andrew Norman, 34, from Camden, London, has travelled across the UK to volunteer for Muscular Dystrophy UK. From Exmoor to Newcastle, Snowdonia to the Lake District, Andrew often leads other groups of volunteers and raises funds through his own efforts. Andrew’s reliability, enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile make him an outstanding contributor to the charity.
Highly Commended: Debbie Collett for her valuable contribution as a peer support volunteer.
Fundraiser of the Year – Winner: Clair Harris
Last summer, on her 60th birthday, Clair Harris from Slough took on ‘The 13’ challenge: swimming 71km across all 13 accessible lakes in the Lake District and cycling 185km between them, becoming the first woman and first non-wetsuit swimmer to officially finish the challenge, previously achieved only by three men. Clair undertook this feat for her friend of ten years, Nausheen Ahmed, who lives with GNE myopathy, raising over £6,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Highly Commended: Colin Morgan for his unique team challenge, raising funds by lifting 1,000 tonnes – the combined weight of a Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 – over a month.
Young Fundraiser – Winner: Jacob Halling
Aged 14, Jacob Halling from Poole in Dorset has organised three fundraising events with a unique twist, using his membership of the Magic Circle to create personalised card magic videos for people who sponsor him. In addition to being an inspiring young fundraiser, Jacob is a young carer to his mother and a strong advocate for people with disabilities.
Neuromuscular Specialist Recognition – Winner: Rachel Salmon
Rachel Salmon from Cardiff has worked as a Neuromuscular Nurse Specialist for over 15 years, providing exceptional care and support to both paediatric and adult patients in Wales. She is deeply passionate about her role – providing tailored care and guidance, running support groups for those living with neuromuscular conditions, advocating for their needs, and educating healthcare professionals who are unfamiliar with muscle wasting conditions.
Highly Commended: Lisa Cutsey for her work supporting and empowering people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Partnership of the Year – Winner: Siren Design
A longstanding partner of Muscular Dystrophy UK, Siren Design has consistently delivered impactful creative materials, entirely pro bono, for the Microscope Ball – a flagship event in the charity’s fundraising calendar. They demonstrate a deep understanding of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s mission, and their creativity and commitment ensure that every project is executed to the highest standard, making a significant impact on the success of events.
Highly Commended: Bidwells for their ongoing support as headline sponsor of the Town and Gown 10k series, as well as staff volunteering and taking on their own fundraising challenges.
Campaigner of the Year – Winner: Konstantina Nouka
A barrister and one of the charity’s first wheelchair participants in the London Marathon, Konstantina Nouka, 26, from Oxfordshire, gives her time and voice generously, advocating for the community and raising awareness. She lives with Ullrich muscular dystrophy and is a powerful advocate and campaigner, sharing her experiences, driven by a desire to show that disabled people have just as much to offer as everyone else.
Early Career Scientist of the Year – Winner: Gemma Fisher
Gemma Fisher, 41, a DPhil Student and Paediatric Neuromuscular Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, has been making an outstanding contribution working on a Natural History Study for people living with nemaline myopathy. As well as planning a study in the UK, she has also shaped the effort to leverage this at an international level – setting up an example of a federated model of a Natural History Study, which could become a flagship for many other conditions.
Highly Commended: Dr Philipp Heher for his commitment to finding new and alternative treatments for FSHD.
Alexander and Valerie Patrick Award for Carer of the Year – Winner: Lorna Common
Lorna Common, 61, from Hexham, Northumberland, has dedicated years to supporting her son Edward, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in pursuing his passion for wheelchair football, enabling him to represent England, all while running a farm and giving back generously to the wider charity community.
Highly Commended: Bradley Williams for his dedicated and compassionate care for three family members living with Ullrich muscular dystrophy.
Peter and Nancy Andrews Award for Community Achievement – Winner: Tahira Mathur
Tahira Mathur, 32, from London, is a true community champion, using her lived experience to raise awareness of GNE myopathy, other muscle wasting conditions, and parenting with a disability, through videos and speaking with researchers and the wider community. She is also a member of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Lay Research Panel, helping to assess research grant applications.
Highly Commended: Tommy Lloyd for his passion for ensuring young SEN children have a genuine voice.
Richard Attenborough Award for Outstanding Achievement – Winner: Ruth Hereford (presented by Michael Attenborough CBE)
Ruth Hereford, 61, from Lichfield, has been at the centre of leadership for the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre in Coventry for over a decade and is currently the Chair of Trustees. She is actively involved in the support centre and was at the forefront of the changes when the centre adapted to meet the needs of more individuals. Living with muscular dystrophy herself, Ruth is passionate about ensuring that everyone living with a muscle wasting condition has the support they need and a place to share their story and voice.
Andy Fletcher, Chief Executive at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:
“Congratulations to all our winners and nominees. It’s always a privilege to meet people who go above and beyond to make a difference, and great to be able to recognise them in this way. I’d like to say a special thank you to our President, Gabby Logan, for presenting the awards, our awards sponsor Airnow Technology, and to the judging panel: Chloe Docker, Sheila Hawkins, Martin Hywood, Dr Ali Kay, and Sue Taylor.
“Our work depends on the generosity and commitment of our community, and I genuinely believe we are stronger when we work together. These awards only tell part of the story as people across the UK are doing things every day to help change the future of muscle wasting conditions. From care, support and research to campaigning, volunteering and fundraising, you all make a difference. Thank you.”
Find out more about Muscular Dystrophy UK at: www.musculardystrophyuk.org.
