Our story
From an idea to a lifeline
The Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre has grown from a simple idea into a charity supporting hundreds of people every year.
What began as a response to a lack of specialist support has evolved into a network of clinics, therapies, wellbeing services, and community programmes that help people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions live well for longer.
Explore the key moments that have shaped our journey.
Building the foundations (2009-2012)
2009: A need for change
National reports highlighted serious gaps in specialist neuromuscular services.
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The Walton Report, commissioned by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy, revealed significant inequalities in care across the UK. Many people struggled to access specialist support, with physiotherapy provision particularly limited in the Midlands.
The findings highlighted the urgent need for change and strengthened calls for improved services for people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions.
2010: Turning frustration into action
A group of people affected by muscular dystrophy set out to create the specialist support they could not find elsewhere.
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After years of campaigning for better services, Karen Bayliss, Mark Field, and Jane Field reached a turning point. Faced with continued barriers to accessing specialist physiotherapy, they decided to create a solution themselves.
Inspired by the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford, they launched plans for a specialist centre in the Midlands. With support from local families, fundraisers, and volunteers, they raised more than £30,000 to turn their vision into reality.
2012: The charity opens its doors
NMC Midlands officially opened its doors in Coventry.
A partnership formed in 2011 with Hereward College in Coventry provided the charity with its first permanent base and helped bring the vision of a specialist centre to life.
Following years of fundraising and planning, the charity welcomed its first service users in November 2012.
Initially focused on advocacy and practical support, the centre helped people navigate issues such as benefits, care packages, employment, and home adaptations, laying the foundations for the specialist services that would follow.
Expanding services - 2013 - 2018
2022: Tenth anniversary year brings exciting changes
2022, the charity’s tenth anniversary year, brought significant changes. The charity opened its first clinic in Birmingham, expanding services to people in the city and surrounding areas. Located at Bournville…
2021: New locations offer additional support
In 2021, the charity expanded its reach in the West Midlands by opening a satellite clinic in Tipton, based at the Murray Hall Community Centre. This new location provided more…
2020: Online services launched and first CEO employed
In 2020, the charity launched online services to support people throughout the pandemic. These services, including online physiotherapy and osteopathy, exercise classes, and breathing and mindfulness sessions, were so successful…
2019: Charity extends to East Midlands and secures major Lottery funding
2019 saw continued growth and development with its newest satellite opening in Loughborough. This expansion enabled the charity to serve more people living in the East Midlands.
2020: Online services launched and first CEO employed
In 2020, the charity launched online services to support people throughout the pandemic. These services, including online physiotherapy and osteopathy, exercise classes, and breathing and mindfulness sessions, were so successful…
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Our story
Learn who we are, what we stand for, and how MD Support Centre supports individuals and families affected by muscular dystrophy.
Our history
Discover how MD Support Centre was formed, why it exists, and how our work has grown to support the community.
Meet our team
Meet the dedicated people behind MD Support Centre who bring expertise, compassion and lived experience to our work.
Our impact
See the difference our services, support and advocacy make in the lives of those affected by muscular dystrophy.
Recruitment
Find out about current opportunities to join MD Support Centre and help make a meaningful difference through your work.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Service Users
People Helped
Amazing Sponsors
Featured News and Insights
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Reception Volunteer
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Support Centre is seeking enthusiastic volunteers for reception and waiting area support. The role includes welcoming service users and carers, offering refreshments, and assisting with administrative tasks. Volunteers will receive training and...
Physiotherapist
We’re looking for physiotherapists to join us in our mission to transform access to physical therapies for people with muscular dystrophy (MD) in the Midlands. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with MD and...
Impact Report 2023-2024
MDSC-Service-User-Survey-2024-resultsDownload