Read real life stories from people in the muscle wasting and weakening community. Browse our blogs about a range of topics we think will interest you.
STORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Filter by type
Cycling 100km to kickstart fundraising for ‘Declan’s Muscle Mission’
On 12 July, Claire Ellis cycled 100km in support of her son Declan, 11, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She was joined by her partner Lewis, and the pair raised over £500. But this is just part of the family’s fundraising journey as they have set themselves a series of challenges. Claire explains why they started ‘Declan’s Muscle Mission’.
“It’s possible to make a difference now for people like Will”
On Thursday 28 August, Sam Taylor, his wife Sue, and daughter Beth will set off to start ‘Iron Will 2025’, a long-distance triathlon created in support of Sam's eldest son Will, 16, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
He lives with daily pain and yet continues to show strength. I’m doing this for him.
Harry O’Callaghan explains how his friend Jason, an elite golfer and former firefighter who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, has inspired him to run a 95km ultramarathon from his home city of Cambridge to the Emirates Stadium in North London.
Running a half marathon with a hidden disability
Stephanie Cooper, diagnosed with CMT in 2024, takes on the 2025 Great North Run to raise awareness and funds for research into this muscle-wasting condition.
My journey as a disabled entrepreneur – not the road most travelled, but one that’s mine
Umbreen, a disabled entrepreneur, shares her journey to winning the Stelios Award, overcoming challenges, and leading a care home business.
London to Paris – the hard way! Arch 2 Arc triathlon in support of friend’s son
Sam Weale attempts the grueling Enduroman Arch 2 Arc triathlon: 87-mile run from London to Dover, English Channel swim, and 181-mile cycle to Paris. Inspired by friend’s son Will with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, raising funds for vital research at Muscular Dystrophy UK.
‘I couldn’t even run 100 metres at school, now I’m running 5ks — here’s what I’ve learnt.”
From living with Becker muscular dystrophy and school humiliations to conquering a 5K run: Discover Andrew's inspiring journey of defying expectations, building confidence, and proving that every story of resilience matters.
Celebrating strength: Disability Pride Month in the muscle wasting community
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with the muscle wasting community, embracing strength, resilience, and diversity. Learn about our challenges, share our stories, and join us in breaking stigma and promoting inclusion.
He’s an inspiration and it’s an honour to run for him
Alistair Macpherson shares his inspiring journey from running the Glasgow 10k to preparing for his first half marathon at the Great Scottish Run to support Muscular Dystrophy UK. Motivated by his friend’s son Joss, diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alistair is raising awareness and funds for those with muscle weakening conditions.
“Music was our thing, and I know he’d love this”
On Saturday 6 September, hundreds of people will come together at The Drill in Lincoln for ‘CroftFest’, a music festival to celebrate the life of Ben Croft – a music fan, lover of Japanese culture, and friend who made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Event organiser Scott Cooper explains why he wanted to create a music festival in his best friend’s memory.
Clair takes on ‘The 13’ swim challenge for friend living with GNE myopathy
At 6:50am on her 60th birthday, Saturday 12 July, Clair Harris entered Lake Windermere to start ‘The 13’ challenge – swimming 71km, the full length of all 13 publicly accessible lakes in the Lake District. If this wasn’t enough, she cycled the 185km between them as well, finishing in 84 hours. Clair tells us what motivated her to take on this incredible challenge, which has previously only been completed by three people.
‘Hiking for Hope’: climbing Snowdon in memory of my brother
On Saturday 21 June, Ibrahim Hussain, 22, from Birmingham set off to climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest mountain in Wales. Joined by his two older brothers and three friends, Ibrahim took on the challenge in memory of his older brother Abdul Raheem, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sadly died in June 2023 at the age of 24. We spoke to Ibrahim to find out why he took on this challenge.