Sue Barker MBE Presents Awards At MDC National Conference

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Also Included In: Conferences
Article Date: 05 Oct 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's National Conference took place on 27 September at Birmingham's Hilton Metropole. Charity President, Sue Barker MBE, was there to present outstanding achievement awards to Muscular Dystrophy Campaign supporters from all over the UK.

Sue Barker, who presented awards for Fundraiser of the Year, Branch of the year, Campaigner of the year, Carer of the year, Media Volunteer of the year and Young Person of the year, said:

"The efforts of our supporters make a vital difference to the charity. Without them we wouldn't be able to achieve any of the things we have over the years - our groundbreaking research projects, our free care and support services, our campaigning to change lives.

"As we enter our 50th year I am proud to see that this year marks our largest national conference so far."

The conference in Birmingham, which marks the end of this year's Muscle Awareness Week (20 - 27 September) also saw the launch of the charity's first ever national patient survey, State of the Nation.

State of the Nation revealed a 'lack of care' and 'financial hardship' situation for people with muscle disease, or other related conditions, across the country. Specifically in the Midlands:

- More than 75% of families living with muscle disease face financial hardship.
- More than 50% of people fund their wheelchair from their own pocket or through charity support.
- More than 80% of carers have no access to respite care.
- And, nearly half of respondents said their experience of the diagnosis process was either 'poor' or 'very poor'.

Dr Evan Harris MP made the conference's keynote speech, praising the charity's strong campaigning activity, in particular the important work on the HFE Bill.

Professor Dame Kay Davies explained how ground-breaking research is being translated from the laboratory into clinical trials. She highlighted the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's continued research funding as key to the progress that has been made.

Philip Butcher, Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said,
"We are please to be able to run our President's Awards for the second year, which celebrate the outstanding dedication and inspiration of people whose lives are affected by muscle disease.

"In contrast, the publication of our report State of the Nation, last week, exposes the significant inequalities in access to vital specialist care across the country, which we are all trying hard to resolve.

"We are delighted Sue Barker MBE, Dr Evan Harris MP and Professor Dame Kay Davies were able to join us to help raise awareness of, and continue our work in supporting, the 60,000 people in the UK who have muscle disease."

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign