Ruth Hereford, Chair of Trustees at the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre, has been recognised as one of the 100 Warwickshire Changemakers 2026, celebrating individuals whose dedication, leadership and service have made a lasting contribution to communities across the county.
The Warwickshire Changemaker Awards recognise people who have helped make Warwickshire a better place to live through their commitment to others. Ruth received her award at a special ceremony in Warwick on Tuesday 4 August, alongside 99 other Changemakers from across the county.
Ruth was honoured for more than a decade of leadership and advocacy for people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions.
Recognised for over a decade of leadership
Her official citation recognises how she has ensured that the experiences and needs of people living with neuromuscular conditions have remained at the heart of the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre’s work. It credits her leadership in helping build “a thriving organisation that continues to transform lives and set a benchmark for excellence in neuromuscular care.”
Living with muscular dystrophy herself, Ruth has dedicated many years to improving support for others affected by the condition. Under her leadership, MD Support Centre has grown from a small charity into a leading specialist organisation. It has gone from offering one physiotherapist to providing long-term physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, osteopathy and complementary therapy, wellbeing support and community services for people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions.
A shared achievement
Reflecting on the award, Ruth said:
“I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised alongside my fellow recipients of the Warwickshire Changemakers 2026 award. As High Sheriff Susan Rasmussen put so well, in a time of increasing negativity and division, it is important to highlight all the positive contributions being made by so many to strengthen our communities and connection.
Living with muscular dystrophy myself, I know how important it is to have somewhere people in Warwickshire and beyond can turn for specialist support, understanding and a sense of belonging.
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many dedicated staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters to help grow the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre into what it is today. This recognition belongs to all of them as much as it does to me.
I’m also grateful that awards like this help shine a light on muscular dystrophy and the challenges people living with the condition face every day. Greater awareness leads to greater understanding, better support and more opportunities for people to live full and independent lives.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I’m excited about what we can continue to achieve for people living with muscular dystrophy in the years ahead.”
Zoe Richardson, Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre, said:
“Everyone at the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre is incredibly proud to see Ruth recognised as a Warwickshire Changemaker. Her leadership, determination and unwavering commitment have shaped our organisation for many years and have helped ensure that people living with muscular dystrophy receive the support, understanding and opportunities they deserve. This award is a fitting recognition of the difference Ruth has made, not only to our charity but to so many individuals and families across Warwickshire and beyond.”
This is the latest in a series of honours recognising both Ruth’s leadership and the impact of the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre.
Continuing a year of recognition
Earlier this year, Ruth received the Richard Attenborough Award for Outstanding Achievement at the Muscular Dystrophy UK Stronger Together Awards, recognising her exceptional contribution to the muscular dystrophy community. Additionally, the Centre was named Not-for-Profit Champion at the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards 2026.
Congratulations to Ruth on this well-deserved recognition.