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President’s Awards celebrate outstanding achievements

18 March 2025

Last night, Monday 17 March, our President’s Awards took place at Salesforce Tower in London, in association with Airnow Technology.

The ceremony was hosted by our President, Gabby Logan MBE and the six awards recognised a range of remarkable individual achievements from last year – celebrating success in fundraising, volunteering, caring, community engagement and research.

Meet our winners

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

“It’s an honour to host the President’s Awards where we celebrate the outstanding achievements of people in the muscle wasting community. The evening gives us a chance to highlight some of the incredible work that goes on, often unseen, whether that’s people doing amazing things to raise money or individuals caring for and supporting others.

“And of course, the inspiring scientists who are looking for ways to help people in our community improve the quality of their lives. Congratulations to everyone who won or was shortlisted for an award.”

Gabby Logan MBE
President of Muscular Dystrophy UK

“Congratulations to all our winners and nominees. It’s always a privilege to meet people who go above and beyond to make a difference for those living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions, 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 award sponsor Airnow Technology, and to everyone who continues to do incredible things for our community. From care and research to volunteering and fundraising, you all make a difference.”

Andrew Fletcher
Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK

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