Peter and Nancy Andrews Award for Community Achievement
Winner: Elizabeth Keenan, a mother, fundraiser and advocate, who has tirelessly campaigned for us while raising her three boys, all of whom live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Over the past decade, Liz and her family have raised over £100,000 for our work.
Liz was unable to attend the ceremony, so her award was collected by Sir Ian Andrews, whose parents the award is named after.
Fundraiser of the Year Award
Winner: Tom Penzer Adams, for running eight marathons in eight weeks, including a community marathon event in his hometown, raising over £20,000 for us. Tom was inspired by his friend’s brothers who live with a muscle wasting condition.
Early Career Scientist of the Year Award
Winner: Dr Ami Ketley, who retrained in bioinformatics following a career break and recently secured one of our research grants to study genetic variations in tissues of people living with myotonic dystrophy.
Highly Commended: Dr Ellie Rhymes
Alexander and Valerie Patrick Award for Carer of the Year
Winner: Isabel Spragg, a young carer who goes above and beyond to support her brother who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Highly Commended: Donal Burns
Volunteer of the Year Award
Winner: Phil Grant, well known for his fundraising dressed as Wonder Woman. Phil has been volunteering and championing our work since 1992, in honour of his son who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Highly Commended: Graham Gornall
Richard Attenborough Award for Outstanding Achievement
Presented by Michael Attenborough CBE
Winner: Sheila Hawkins, for being a key advocate and dedicated supporter, bringing invaluable lived experience and a strategic approach to supporting families affected by FSHD and other muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
Special recognition: Ula Maria