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IDRM Researchers Raise Over £1,300 for Muscular Dystrophy UK at Oxford Town & Gown 10k Race
On Sunday 11 May, researchers from the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, based at the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), joined more than 6,000 participants in the historic Bidwells Oxford Town & Gown 10k, raising over £1,300 to support Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The Oxford Neuromuscular Centre team raised funds through a combination of events, a bake sale, a quiz, and a raffle. Their efforts were led and coordinated by Chelsea Larabee, Programme Manager for the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, whose commitment helped mobilise volunteers and race participants from across the IDRM community.
Reflecting on the day, Dr Thomas Roberts, group leader and research fellow at the IDRM, said:
“The MDUK Town & Gown 10k was a fantastic event, bringing together members of the University and the people of Oxford. The turnout was great, in terms of both runners and supporters, and the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre team raised over £1300. It is always a pleasure to participate in this event, which raises funds to support research and promotes awareness for neuromuscular diseases.”
Volunteers from the Centre also played an essential role in supporting the event. Amarjit Bhomra, who helped on the day, shared:
“Taking part in volunteering for the Town & Gown race was both fun and fulfilling. Knowing our efforts help fund vital research for MDUK makes it all worthwhile”
According to Muscular Dystrophy UK, this year’s event raised a record-breaking £300,000 for the charity. The race was officially started by Tristan Boedts, a PhD student living with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, who walked the 10k course in support of others affected by similar conditions.
The Oxford Town & Gown 10k is the oldest event in the national Town and Gown series. Founded in 1982 in memory of Daniel Cleaver, a local boy who lived with muscular dystrophy, the event has grown into a major fixture on the city’s calendar. This year, it sold out for the second time in a row, with 6,600 runners registered across the junior and adult races. All proceeds support research and services for those living with muscle-wasting conditions. 
