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More than ten IDRM researchers joined the MDUK Town and Gown 10K race on Sunday, the 14th of May. They were part of the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre team, which raised £1451 for the charity. 

The MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre team also hosted several fundraising events prior to the race. An MDUK-themed quiz, a bake sale, and a raffle were some of the events that made up their fundraising efforts. 

Chelsea Larabee, who coordinated the local fundraising events and volunteered on the day of the race, said: 
“The most memorable part of volunteering for the event was talking to a fellow volunteer, Phil, who had lost his son to muscular dystrophy. He shared what a struggle it was for his family, and we discussed the progress of muscular dystrophy therapies since his family started their journey more than 30 years ago. It was a stark reminder of why we were all there – to raise money for muscular dystrophy to help families like Phil’s across the country. What was most striking was his uplifting spirit – he was dressed as Wonder Woman with the goal of brightening everyone’s day.” 

Phil Grant, who volunteered at the Sunday race dressed in a Wonder Woman costume shared his story with Muscular Dystrophy UK and his reasons for fundraising: 
“I want to raise money for a worthy cause but also to raise awareness of the way that muscular dystrophy can change lives. The money helps to fund equipment, treatments, research and other means to fight these conditions.” 

Helping patients with neuromuscular diseases through the delivery of innovative therapies is the mission of the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre and the team of researchers who joined the race on the 14th.  The Centre was established in January 2019 through a collaboration between Muscular Dystrophy UK and the University of Oxford and aims to drive forward the development of novel experimental therapies and increase national clinical trial capacity in neuromuscular diseases. 

Ambra Speciale, a DPhil student at the IDRM, said: 
"With my everyday PhD work, I try to make small but significant steps towards understanding disease mechanisms and finding cures for muscle-wasting conditions. I run for the MDUK Town and Gown every year, and I am so happy to see so many people supporting the cause. Plus, there is always such a motivating atmosphere!" 

This year, the MDUK Town and Gown 10k race saw 4480 runners cross the finish line and raised approximately £200k towards charity. The race was also the first ever carbon neutral Town and Gown event, thanks to a partnership with Bidwells Oxford. 
 
Julie Stevens, who volunteered at the race, said: 
" The event was a great success – it was wonderful to see many IDRM colleagues crossing the finish line for such a good cause! " 
 
To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mduk-onmc-2023 

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