Alan Shearer, Gabby Logan, Jon Richardson and Ricky Wilson are also among the stars featured in a video which will be screened before the Leeds United vs Sheffield Wednesday game to encourage people to donate to Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The video and fundraiser has been organised by Martin Hywood, a lifelong Leeds United fan who was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy 20 years ago. The condition means he can’t go more than a few steps without feeling pain.
The video sees Martin tell his story, and the stars repeating the charity tagline, Muscles Matter. It will urge people to donate to bucket collectors at the game or donate to the charity, which supports the 70,000 people living with muscle-wasting conditions in the UK.
The celebrities featured in the video include:
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, actor best known as Jaime Lannister in Game Of Thrones
- Alan Shearer, Match Of The Day presenter and former England captain
- Gabby Logan, BBC and ITV sports presenter
- Jason Isaacs, actor best known as Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter
- Vicky McClure, actor best known for Line of Duty and This Is England
- Ricky Wilson, lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs
- Jon Richardson, comedian and star of 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
- Chris Moyles, television and radio presenter
- Kate Dickie, actor best known as Lysa Arryn in Game Of Thrones
- Anya Taylor-Joy, lead actor from horror film The VVitch
- Kelly Cates, Sky Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter
- Ralph Ineson, actor best known as Finchy in The Office (video voiceover)
Martin, from Aylesbury, said:
“Muscles are about a lot more than just your limbs – they also affect your heart and ability to breathe, so they really do matter. I wanted this video to show how conditions like mine are scary and difficult, but that the right support can go a long way to help. The video should help raise much-needed cash for Muscular Dystrophy UK to fund more research and help the people who find themselves in the same position as me.
“I’m so grateful to all the celebrities who have lent their backing, and to Leeds United for helping with the collection. I can’t wait for the video to premiere at the match. We’re calling on everyone at the game to donate, either to the bucket collectors or via text.”
Ralph Ineson, who has starred in Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and The Office, said:
“I lent my support as Martin’s video really brought to life just how serious muscular dystrophy can be. The fact there isn’t a cure, and barely any way to treat it, shows just how important it is to provide the right support. I hope everyone can spare a fiver to make a difference.”
Martin has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Muscular Dystrophy UK in the last three years with a series of climbs and walking challenges despite his problems walking.
The collection is at the Leeds United home ground Elland Road on 17 March following Martin’s video premiere. People can donate to the bucket collectors or text MDUK18 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 to Muscular Dystrophy UK. Full details at: www.musculardystrophyuk.org/text.