About The Muscular Help Foundation (MHF)

MHF exists to deliver unforgettable experiences in the UK (which the charity calls Muscle Dreams^TM) designed to help children and young people whose lives are afflicted by the muscle wasting disease, muscular dystrophy, the single biggest genetic killer of children in our world today.

About Muscular Dystrophy (MD)

Muscular dystrophy is a relentless, cruel and unforgiving disease. In the UK alone, there are some 60,000 sufferers being robbed of their mobility, independence and finally for those children with the most severe type (mainly boys) their lives. Despite ongoing global research efforts, there is still no cure or treatment to delay or reverse the disease.

About MHF’s Founder

Michael McGrath was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 1984 when he was in his late teens. Over the past 25 years, the deteriorative nature of the disease has meant that Michael, who was once extremely competitive and loved his sports, has today lost his ability to walk and now uses a powerchair (known affectionately as his ‘chariot’) to get around. Michael brings a deep understanding of the disease as well as the challenges and frustrations that sufferers and their families must face – at the heart of this understanding lies the reason and the motivation that MHF came to be, with the simple aim to deliver amazing experiences for those whose lives are, like Michael’s, being slowly destroyed by this remorseless disease.

Through the charities Muscle Dreams^TM programme, selected beneficiaries are given the opportunity to live a dream, or perhaps fulfil a cherished ambition.

With its entrepreneurial spirit, corporate mindset, dynamic approach and determined focus, the charity’s Trustees and Friends have established a vibrant resource network, rooted in the notion that delivering real experiences for those with muscular dystrophy is far beyond the scope of any one individual or organisation.

Friends and supporters who give of their time voluntarily in supporting MHF by for example helping to raise funds and awareness at events such as the charity’s annual participation at the GRIM Challenge or supporting specific activities such as MHF’s annual flagship fundraiser held in London are referred to as Muscle Warriors^TM.

In addition, those whose muscles are broken and wasting away and who battle 24/7 every day of their lives are also known as Muscle Warriors^TM or Warriors of Circumstance^TM, where each day of living is an unrelenting fight, eased only by those who care tirelessly and love unconditionally, from mums and dads, uncles and aunties to brothers and sisters.

Both groups of Muscle Warriors^TM display many of the fighting characteristics that underpin the spirit of what being a Muscle Warrior^TM is all about, from discipline, fortitude, conviction and focus to an unswerving ‘never ever give up’ attitude.