Sam, 29 from Brentwood, said:
My uncle, Byron Truscott, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was in his twenties. He was told that he was unlikely to live past the age of 45. He is now 62 and continues to fight the battle with muscular dystrophy. He is my hero, the kindest and most giving man you will ever meet. He wakes up every day with a smile and muscular dystrophy has not dented his cheeky character
I wanted to challenge myself, for him, and signed up to the 2018 London Marathon in aid of MDUK. This was the foundation for volunteering at the Town and Gown, as I also met a family whose five-year-old boy has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. I knew I wanted to do more for the family and my uncle, helping to raise awareness and the Oxford Town and Gown was the perfect way to start doing this.”
The 37th Oxford Town and Gown 10k took place on Sunday 13th May, with just under 5,000 sign ups, a record for the event, which is on track to raise £150,000 with all funds raised going towards Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Sam’s role on the day was as a water station lead. This involved setting up one of the water stations and ensuring all out thirsty runners remained hydrated throughout the race.
The Oxford Town and Gown 10k is the first event I have volunteered at and hopefully the first of many! The atmosphere was great with everyone in high spirits. It was helped, of course, by the glorious weather on the day.
It felt great to play my part in raising awareness of muscular dystrophy, but I also really enjoyed the atmosphere of the crowd on the day and the appreciation from the runners as they passed by.
Sam’s advice for anyone interest in volunteering for Muscular Dystrophy UK at a Town and Gown is:
It’s so much fun. I did not stop smiling the whole time and the MDUK staff made me feel so welcome. It’s a great way to meet new people and do something that enables you to give back. Try one and find out for yourself!
The next Town and Gown 10k will be taking place on Sunday 21 October in Cambridge. If you would like to join Sam, sign up at www.townandgown10k.com/volunteer
If you would like more information on volunteering at Leicester and Oxford, get in touch at townandgown10k@musculardystrophyuk.org
