A word from our Board of Trustees

Following a successful summer recruitment process, we were delighted to welcome our new Chief Executive, Zoe Richardson, to the MD Support Centre team in August. From the outset, it was clear that her experience, values, and thoughtful approach to leadership made her the best person to guide us forward.

As you’ll see from her message, Zoe brings a genuine passion for people and for building meaningful relationships. Her commitment to person-centred care reflects the heart of our organisation and the importance we place on listening to, understanding, and supporting the needs of our community.

In just three months, Zoe has already hit the ground running — continuing work on our next five-year strategy, progressing our consolidation plans for the year ahead, and developing partnerships to support our mission. Throughout this, she has kept her focus firmly on what matters most: our service users’ independence, wellbeing, and quality of life. We’re excited for the future and the positive impact Zoe’s leadership promises to bring. If you haven’t had the chance to meet her yet, we warmly encourage you to do so and explore how you can be part of the journey ahead.

Ruth, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Welcome from our CEO, Zoe Richardson

Welcome to the Autumn / Winter edition of the MD Support Centre magazine — and to my first edition as CEO. I joined the charity a few months ago, and if we haven’t met yet, I’m really looking forward to changing that. It has been a privilege to step into this role and see firsthand the strength, warmth and resilience that define this community.

This issue is packed with everything that makes the Centre so special: determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to one another. It’s been a season of growth and momentum, and I’m incredibly proud to see how the Centre continues to evolve — not just in what we deliver, but in how we deliver it.

You’ll read about our therapists sharing their expertise on a national stage, shining a light on the specialist work they do every day. You’ll see powerful examples of service users shaping the world around them — from influencing national policy to taking confident first steps (or train rides!) into new adventures. And you’ll find stories of pure generosity, from individuals and organisations who step forward to support the Centre because they believe, as I do, that our services change lives.

We’ve also been busy strengthening our community spaces — whether that’s our peer support groups, our online classes, or our Christmas social. Everywhere I look, I see people supporting each other, learning from each other, and proving that belonging isn’t a luxury… it’s the foundation of everything we do.

As we look ahead to 2026, our priorities are clear: expand access, deepen impact, and keep building a charity that listens, adapts, and never stands still. We’re here to champion independence, challenge barriers, and make sure every person living with muscular dystrophy has the support, therapy, and community they deserve.

Thank you for being part of this journey — whether you attend sessions, share your story, volunteer, donate, or simply cheer us on. Your involvement is what keeps this charity moving forward with purpose and heart.

Wishing you a warm, healthy and connected winter season. I hope to see many of you at our Christmas social (I promise the raffle prizes are worth the trip).

Zoe

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Share your stories! Have something you want to share? Get in touch to let us know! We would love to share your comments, feedback, stories, and experiences. Our next magazine will be published in May 2026. Email communications@mdsupportcentre.org to be part of it.

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Find all the latest news from across MD Support Centre on our news page.

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Why your support matters

We rely on donations to provide physical therapies and support, without time limits or discharge letters.

Cancellations and missed appointments: Each session costs around £100 to deliver, so late cancellations or missed appointments have a real impact on our resources. Please help us by cancelling only when you need to and giving as much notice as possible, so we can use our funding wisely and offer the space to someone else.

Every pound you give helps keep these life changing services free and available to all who need them.

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We would really love your input for our next magazine.

Have you found something helpful for others in our community? A brilliant book, a great podcast, a useful blog, an accessible place, or an experience that others might learn from? Maybe you have a story, reflection, or piece of feedback to share. Your contribution can help us build stronger resources, better signposting, and clearer information for everyone who needs it.

Our next issue comes out in May 2026, and we want you to be part of it.

Email communications@mdsupportcentre.org and tell us what you would like to contribute.