The Q Trust was set up in 2001 by Mark Reynolds in memory of his friend Quentin Crewe who was a celebrated journalist, writer and society figure who travelled extensively.
The Q Trust
Mark worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for others with muscle-wasting conditions until he passed away in 2005 as a result of his own condition. Mark’s passion for the cause lived on through his wife Jemima, until her untimely passing in 2015. Their family’s contribution to Muscular Dystrophy UK is unrivalled.
The Q Trust committee is now made up of friends and family of Quentin, Mark and Jemima and, in 2022, their total fundraising has hit £3.1 million thanks to the incredible generosity of its supporters. The Q Trust continues to put on a number of superb fundraising events to celebrate the lives of their dear friends and to ensure that their legacy is a lasting one.
Working with Muscular Dystrophy UK, the money has made a huge impact on the lives of people living with muscle-wasting conditions in the UK. The Q Trust has delivered on its original aims of funding pioneering research into effective treatments and cures, while raising awareness of these devastating conditions. Support has been given to paediatric muscle services at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and formerly at Hammersmith Hospital, the Oxford Muscle and Nerve Centre and its Regional Care Advisor, and pioneering research.
In this short video, Professor Dubowitz thanks the Q Trust for their “tremendous support”.
Past events
On Thursday 18 November 2021, the Q Trust Quiz went upmarket, taking place at the beautiful Porchester Hall. Evan Davies returned as quiz master for the night with 370 guests in attendance. They raised a fantastic £57,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will go towards the Oxford Neuromuscular Centre.
On Thursday 14 November 2019, the Q Trust held The Great Chefs’ Dinner, a special one-off evening of fantastic food and fundraising to commemorate 40 years since the publication of Quentin Crewe’s The Great Chefs of France. The evening featured Darina Allen, Raymond Blanc, Sally Clarke, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Matthew Fort, Chris and Jeff Galvin, Skye Gyngell, Margot Henderson, Mark Hix, Rowley Leigh, Prue Leith, Tom Parker Bowles and The River Café, and raised £140,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
On Thursday 15 November 2018, the Q Trust hosted yet another Q Trust Quiz at Hammersmith Town Hall. Evan Davies was at the helm as quiz master and over 400 guests attended, helping to raise a spectacular £39,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
On Thursday 6 July 2017, the Q Trust hosted the magical Giffords Circus. This unique circus performed to a packed big top, full of Q Trust friends and family, and raised £23,000 to help fund the new research centre in Oxford.
In 2015, another of the Q Trust’s legendary quiz nights was a huge success, bringing together supporters for a competitive night of fun. Dominic West was celebrity quiz master, and a great time was had by all.
Net proceeds of the Q Trust’s fundraising will be used for research into all muscle-wasting conditions.
Upcoming events
On Friday 1 April the Q Trust will be holding a dinner at Merton College, Oxford to celebrate all that has been achieved by the Q Trust over the last 20 years, with particular focus on their funding of the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, which is transforming the treatment landscape for neuromuscular conditions.
