Based in Hampshire, The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) charity has announced that it is expanding eligibility for its services, increasing the upper age limit from 28yrs to 35yrs. This change enables adults living with muscular dystrophy (MD) to access the charity’s fully funded and accessible Muscle Dream experiences.

Founded in 2003 by Michael McGrath MBE, the charity was originally established to provide children and young people (8-28yrs) living with the muscle wasting disease, muscular dystrophy (MD) across the UK with highly personalised, transformational wish-fulfilment experiences called Muscle Dreams.

Life expectancy for those living with muscle‑wasting conditions, specifically those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), have increased. Michael and MHF’s trustees were keen to open MHF’s programmes to a wider audience.

“In light of progress made since March 2003 when the charity was originally established (over 23yrs ago), there have been improvements in pharmacological interventions (steroids), treatment options, better supportive care pathways (including physical therapy), and technological advancements such as the use of BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) as a form of non-invasive ventilation, helping to critically manage heart and lung function”, said MHF’s CEO Michael McGrath MBE

Although median life expectancy has improved, with global averages often reported in the late 20s to early 30s, outcomes still vary significantly. Some may live into their 40s, but this largely depends on access to high-quality, coordinated, multidisciplinary care.

Following a review and analysis of MHF’s service provision including online research and consulting with its stakeholder community, the charity’s trustees unanimously resolved to extend its service provision (originally set for those aged 8yrs up to 28yrs), to the new upper age eligibility limit of 35yrs. Recognising that over 96% of the charity’s beneficiaries are those living with DMD which is the most severe variant as it is life-limiting, meaning it remains incurable and shortens life expectancy, the time to extend in-person and virtual services is now.

MHF’s in‑person and virtual Muscle Dream interventions occur throughout the year. From accessible powerboating, flying, its immersive flagship Porsche programme which this year sees the 15th anniversary at Silverstone, to virtual wellbeing sessions that support mental wellness and emotional resilience. Additionally, the charity’s singular 1:1 bespoke moments-in-time have seen beneficiaries mix it up with animals by being ‘the zookeeper’ for a day, bushcraft & survival skills with Ray Mears and interviewing the godfather of movie icons Al Pacino, to hanging with Lewis Hamilton and comedian Harry Hill. Each experience supports the family with contributions to travel, allowances for hotels and subsistence but they are meticulously designed to uplift confidence, ignite possibility, reduce isolation and enhance social connection.

Emma Lowe, a senior nurse at the Salford Care Organisation at the Children’s Community Nursing (CCN) Team (Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust), part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group who nominated a young person with DMD and cardiac complications for a Muscle Dream built around his passion for gaming said:

“I simply have no words for the amazing efforts you have put together for this family. I know they would have been the most thankful and this is something that will mean the world to David and them forever more. I am so grateful for coming across your amazing charity and the work you do – in my 15 years of doing this job as a Senior Nurse, this moment, because of you, has to be one that I will carry with me forever. Your charity has given me and my team hope. You have helped us see some light within some extraordinarily stressful days working for the NHS. Sometimes we forget briefly why we do what we do, but then moments like this solidify why us nurses love our job. Thank you from my very grateful heart and on behalf of the whole CCN team”.

“Mindful of those adults living longer lives and despite the increasing complexities, our Muscle Dream experiences exist to remind those facing life’s toughest challenges that extraordinary moments combined with a sense of freedom are still within reach. Now in our 23rd year of operation, I’m excited about the possibilities for the charity in now being able to support older adults”, commented Michael McGrath MBE.

Nominations for in-person and group Muscle Dream programmes are open across the year. Anyone can nominate from parents, siblings and self‑nominations, Children’s Hospices, healthcare professionals, clinicians, social prescribers and others.

For more information or to arrange an interview with MHF’s founder & CEO

Contact Michael McGrath MBE // M: 07958 463434 // E: michael@musclehelp.com

Info about MHF’s work & impact, plus its programmes: www.musclehelp.com

About The Muscle Help Foundation

The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) charity is based in Clanfield, Hampshire. It provides Muscle Dream programmes for children, young people, adults (8-35yrs) and their families across the UK.

Since MHF’s inception, the charity has raised over £2m and has supported thousands across the UK via bespoke 1:1 interventions and group programmes.

Academically validated research by the University of Hertfordshire evidences a lasting positive impact on MD families’ overall health and wellbeing.

CEO Michael McGrath MBE was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June 2023 for his services to people with muscular dystrophy.

Connect with MHF on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMuscleHelpFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/musclehelpfoundation

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-muscle-help-foundation

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@musclehelpfoundation

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