From an idea to a lifeline
The Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre was born out of determination and the power of community.
In 2010, people living with muscular dystrophy were told that ongoing physiotherapy and specialist support were simply not available to them. Rather than accepting this, they chose to act.
Together, they set out to create a specialist centre where people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions could access the support they needed to stay active, independent and connected. With the backing of families, volunteers and supporters, that vision became a reality.
After years of fundraising and planning, the charity opened its first centre in Coventry, providing specialist physiotherapy and laying the foundations for the services that would follow.
Today, the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre operates across seven clinic locations and supports more than 700 people each year through specialist therapies, wellbeing services, exercise programmes and opportunities for social connection.
What started as a small community-led initiative has grown into a trusted specialist charity, but our purpose remains the same: helping people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions live well for longer.
Explore the chapters below to discover the key moments that have shaped our journey so far.
Chapter one: a gap that couldn’t be ignored
2009 to 2010
In 2009, the Walton Report highlighted significant gaps in specialist neuromuscular care across the UK. For many people, access to ongoing physiotherapy and other specialist support simply wasn’t available, particularly in the Midlands.
For Karen Bayliss, Mark Field and Jane Field, this reflected the reality they had experienced for years. After campaigning for better services with little progress, they decided that if the support people needed didn’t exist, they would create it themselves.
Inspired by the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford, they began fundraising to establish a specialist centre in the Midlands. Families, friends, volunteers and local supporters rallied behind the vision, raising more than £30,000 to help make it a reality.
Chapter two: building something new
2011 to 2013
A partnership with Hereward College in Coventry gave the new charity its first home, and in November 2012 it welcomed its first service users.
In the early days, the focus was on providing practical advice, advocacy and support to help people navigate everyday challenges such as benefits, employment and care.
The following year marked another significant milestone as specialist physiotherapy was introduced, followed closely by osteopathy. Demand grew quickly, with people travelling from across the region to access services that were often unavailable elsewhere.
The foundations had been laid for the charity we know today.
Chapter three: growing to meet demand
2014 to 2019
As more people discovered the charity, services continued to grow.
New therapies, exercise opportunities and aquatic sessions were introduced to help people maintain their mobility, independence and wellbeing. Opening hours expanded, more specialist staff joined the team and the first satellite clinics brought services closer to people living outside Coventry.
In 2017, the organisation became the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre, a name that better reflected both the people we support and our ambitions for the future.
By 2019, the charity had expanded into the East Midlands, supported by investment from the National Lottery Community Fund, creating opportunities to reach even more people.
Chapter four: rising to the challenge
2020 to 2022
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted face-to-face services, we adapted quickly.
Physiotherapy, osteopathy, exercise classes, breathing sessions and wellbeing support moved online, helping people stay connected and continue accessing specialist care during an incredibly difficult time. Many of these virtual services continue today, making support more accessible for people who cannot travel to our clinics.
In 2022, we celebrated our tenth anniversary, opened another clinic in Birmingham and moved into our current headquarters at Westwood House, creating more space for therapy, community activities and future growth.
Chapter five: looking ahead
2023 to today
The need for specialist neuromuscular support continues to grow, and so do we.
Recent years have seen the opening of new clinic partnerships, including Reach for Health in Daventry and the MoveWell Centre at the University of Birmingham. Aquatic exercise sessions have returned, and we continue to develop new ways of helping people stay active, independent and connected.
Today, the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre supports more than 700 people every year through specialist therapies, exercise programmes, wellbeing services and community support.
While much has changed since those first fundraising events, our purpose remains exactly the same: helping people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions live well for longer.
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Our story
Learn who we are, what we stand for, and how we support people affected by muscular dystrophy.
Mission, vision & values
Discover the core principles that drive everything we do at MD Support Centre.
Meet our team
Meet the people who bring expertise, compassion and lived experience to our work.
Our impact
See the difference our services make in the lives of those affected by muscular dystrophy.
Recruitment
Turn your skills into a force for good with a career at Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
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People Helped
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Featured News and Insights
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2019 MDSC Open Day & AGM
Location: Refectory @ Hereward College Campus Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre warmly invites you to our 2019 Open Day and AGM! Saturday, 8 June 2019, 12pm - 5pm Join us for an afternoon of information, connection and sharing focusing on Health & Wellbeing -...
Ruth Hereford honoured for championing people living with muscular dystrophy
Ruth Hereford, Chair of Trustees at MD Support Centre, has been named one of 100 Warwickshire Changemakers 2026 for her leadership and advocacy.
MD Support Centre launches Clinical & Community Experience Pathway for future professionals
MD Support Centre launches Clinical & Community Experience Pathway to develop future professionals and champion inclusive care.
February 2026 Meeting Minutes
Summary This meeting provided members with an update on recent developments across the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre, including the appointment of a new Service User Participation Worker, progress on the new website, new partnerships, recruitment of additional...