Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Support Centre’s satellite clinic in Leicester has benefited from a £1,000 boost thanks to The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund.
The Charity helps more than 570 registered service users at its Coventry headquarters and region-wide clinics in Leicester, Birmingham, Daventry, Droitwich and Tipton.
It is one of one of only two charities nationwide providing long-term in-person therapies to promote independence and well-being for adults living with MD.
Ruth Hereford, Chair of Trustees at MD Support Centre, said: “The money we have received from The Co-operative Bank Customer Donation Fund has been crucial as it has been used to fund key physiotherapy sessions for service users at our Leicester satellite clinic.
“These sessions are essential to people with MD as they help to reduce pain, maintain mobility and manage the effects of muscle deterioration. Our evidence shows how transformative regular therapy is to improve independence and quality of life.”
Welcoming the donation, Leicester satellite clinic service user Mark Stewardson added: “MD Support Centre offers vital services for those with the condition that are not easily accessible through the NHS, and which would be very expensive to get privately. They provide specialist treatment and offer invaluable support, and advice from people and organisations who can help with other aspects of living with a long-term physical condition.”
The Customer Donation Fund is open to organisations that are customers of The Co-operative Bank and hold a Community Directplus account. This account is specifically for registered charities, community interest companies, benefit societies, co-operatives and credit unions and offers them access to ethical and free everyday banking.
Since the fund was set up back in 2003, the award-winning charity banking provider has donated over £1.1 million to more than 1,000 community projects, with £100,000 donated this year alone to support communities through the cost-of-living crisis.
Amelia Burnett, SME Product Manager at The Co-operative Bank, said: “Supporting our customers, particularly smaller charities and community projects, has never been more important. We are proud to have been able to provide these grants to projects across the UK that are positively impacting communities, at a time when many people are facing cost of living challenges.”
Picture: Service User Mark Stewardson with Clinical Services Manager Taher Dhuliawala, credit Mani Kohli.