High profile supporters Media centre

We are enormously grateful for the support of our many high profile supporters. Here are some of them:

Gabby Logan – President

Gabby Logan was appointed President of Muscular Dystrophy UK in 2018. She follows Sue Barker MBE and the late Lord Richard Attenborough, who were both active and dedicated Presidents for the charity

Michael Attenborough CBE and Karen Attenborough – Vice Presidents

The Attenborough family have been linked with Muscular Dystrophy UK since the 1960s, when Lord Richard Attenborough first became involved with the charity. Theatre director Michael Attenborough and his wife, actress Karen Lewis, raise awareness of the work of Muscular Dystrophy UK and vital funding.

Sue Barker MBE – Honorary Life President

A long-term supporter of Muscular Dystrophy UK, Sue Barker became an Honorary Life President in 2018. Sue has been involved with the charity since 2004, meeting hundreds of supporters and supporting numerous charity events.

Ollie Hynd MBE – Ambassador

Gold-medal-winning Paralympic swimmer Ollie Hynd has been an Ambassador for the charity since 2012. Ollie has neuromuscular myopathy, and has offered advice and encouragement for other young people affected by muscle-weakening and -wasting conditions who are interested in getting involved in sport.

Peter and Stephen McGuire – Ambassadors

Paralympic GB Boccia players Peter and Stephen McGuire are dedicated to fundraising for the charity and raising awareness of muscle-wasting conditions. They are both living with an undiagnosed form of muscular dystrophy. They feel passionately about helping young people with muscle-wasting conditions get the equipment they need to be independent and to thrive.

Gordon Smith – Ambassador

Gordon Smith has been a professional footballer, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association, a BBC Football and Scottish Match of the Day pundit, and Sunday Post columnist. He lends his valuable support to Muscular Dystrophy UK fundraising events in Scotland and helps to raise awareness of our work.

Jack Wilshere – Ambassador

West Ham United and England footballer Jack Wilshere has been an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK since 2015. Jack got involved with the charity after meeting Muscular Dystrophy UK supporter and Arsenal fan Archie Hill.

Chloe Ball Hopkins – Ambassador

Journalist Chloe Ball Hopkins is a powerful advocate for disability rights and has worked with ASOS to design wheelchair-friendly clothing. Chloe was also a Paralympian in archery before picking up a shoulder injury.

Monty Panesar – Ambassador

Monty enjoyed a successful English international cricketer who remains passionate about the game. He made his Test cricket debut in 2006 against India in Nagpur and One Day International debut for England in 2007. Monty has been an active Ambassador for MDUK since 2019 after being inspired to help the charity following his appearance at the MDUK Sports Quiz in 2018.

Jordon Young – Ambassador

Jordon is a Scottish television, film and stage actor best known for his regular role in soap drama River City. Jordon became an Ambassador for MDUK in 2019 after attending the Scottish Question of Support event, he is passionate about helping the charity due to a family connection with the condition having sadly lost two Uncles to muscular dystrophy.

MPs and Peers

Mary Glindon MP – Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy

Mary has played a fundamental role in securing UK-wide investment in specialist healthcare, and is working with us to ensure people benefit from groundbreaking and high-cost treatments.

Baroness Celia Thomas MBE – Trustee

Baroness Celia Thomas knows first-hand of the struggle people with muscle-wasting conditions face to get vital care, to manage symptoms and to protect health and quality of life. Celia, who has Pompe Disease, has been a supporter of Muscular Dystrophy UK for some years, determined to see improvements to specialist care in the UK. She works tirelessly to ensure vulnerable families living with muscle-wasting conditions have access to the NHS care and support they nee