Due to a lack of physiotherapy services available for adults with neuromuscular conditions in the Midlands, a group of individuals affected by muscular dystrophy came together to establish a specialist neuromuscular centre in the region.

Karen Bayliss, driven by the lack of available services, connected with Mark and Jane Field through the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (now Muscular Dystrophy UK). The Fields were particularly concerned about their son Murray’s future care after his diagnosis with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The three of them worked as part of the West Midlands Muscle Group, where they advocated to the NHS West Midlands Specialised Commissioning Group for improved services for people with muscular dystrophy. During a long meeting where their calls for ongoing physiotherapy were dismissed, Karen, frustrated but determined, suggested, “I think there’s only one way we can go with this.” Mark and Jane quickly agreed: “We need to open our own centre.”

This moment led to the founding of the charity.

The new trustees launched an appeal to get the centre off the ground. Inspired by the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford, they wanted to create Neuromuscular Centre (NMC) Midlands, aiming to offer similar services locally. With the support of the local community, they raised over £30,000.

In 2011, a meeting with Jon Clugston at Hereward College in Coventry led to the charity securing its first location. Work began to set up assessment rooms, treatment areas, therapy equipment, office space, and reception, marking the launch of a neuromuscular centre of excellence.