making muscle wasting history

Messages of Support

Helena Bonham Carter, Actress and patron of Action Duchenne

“As a patron of Action Duchenne, I would like to urge as many people as possible to find out about the work of the charity and the devastating effects of Duchenne Musuclar Dystrophy. Treatments and a cure seem tantalisingly close but they will not appear without further support and funding. Please join Action Duchenne in helping to make muscle wasting history.”

Susan Bookbinder, Television and Radio Broadcaster and patron of Action Duchenne

“I became aware of the terrible suffering of so many young boys with Duchenne through the work of Carl Tilson, the gravely ill grandson of Manchester City and England legend, Fred Tilson. I hosted a lunch at City on Carl's birthday, where Carl met his hero, the Womens' world wrestling champion, Trish Stratus. Carl bears the cruel blow that life has dealt him with great dignity but the fact that he made it to his 22nd birthday with this disease is very unusual as most boys with Duchenne are expected to be struck down before the end of their teens or early twenties. This condition can only be described as a death sentence and indeed the whole family is put on death row. I am truly honoured to have been asked to become a patron of Action Duchenne and will do all I can to help find a cure to end the suffering.”

Julian Lloyd Webber, Arts commentator and internationally acclaimed solo cellist

"I became aware of the wonderful work being done by Action Duchenne during my recent performances with the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra. I am so impressed by what they are achieving that I immediately offered to become a patron of the charity. Even though there are so many 'good causes' vying for contributions, I honestly believe that Action Duchenne deserves the greatest possible support."

Tim Henman OBE, tennis player

"The Tim Henman Charitable Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children in the UK and is delighted to have been able to support the work of Action Duchenne. I would like to wish the organisation every success in its efforts to fund research for treatments and a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy."

Mike Brearley OBE, former England and Middlesex cricket captain and MCC President

"During my playing career, I was fortunate enough to be the England test cricket captain, a childhood ambition for so many young cricketers. For boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, it is not even possible to play cricket in their back garden because of the severe impact which the muscle wasting has on their mobility. We are all hoping that the promising research out there leads into clinical trials and a treatment for the boys. Please support the work of Action Duchenne as they work towards the day where young lives are no longer destroyed by this terrible condition."

Maureen Lipman CBE, Actress, columist and author

"I am completely with you. Any organisation which lobbies for better research and information is an inspiration to concerned parents and relatives of those with little known diseases."

Lloyd Honeyghan, former and undisputed two times world welterweight boxing champion

"Let's knock out Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Lloyd Honeyghan with his undisputed support for Action Duchenne wants everyone to keep fighting for a cure. Please give generously."

Lord (David) Puttnam, Film producer and politician

"You have my wholehearted support for the vital work you are doing to improve knowledge and understanding about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and to promote vital research in the search for a cure."

Bryan Robson CBE, former England and Manchester United captain

"Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a devastating, life-limiting condition for which there is no cure. That is why I am delighted to be able to support the campaign and hope that you can join me in achieving the ultimate goal of finding a cure for Duchenne. Please give generously so that we can make a real difference for the boys with Duchenne."

Miriam Margolyes OBE, Actress

"Unless your loved ones have been stricken with Duchenne Musuclar Dystrophy you can't know the feeling of helplessness such a diagnosis brings. All the help and support friends can bring to the problem must be given and fast. One day, we CAN find the cure: but everyone has to care & respond with generosity. Please help."

Darren Campbell MBE, Olympic Gold medallist

"As a father of three young children, I know how precious health and happiness is for any youngster growing up. Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy face many, many challenges but by supporting the work of Action Duchenne, we can raise awareness of this devestating condition and increase the possibility of treatments coming forward to help those living with Duchenne. I would like to wish the campaign every possible success."

Lord (Norman) Tebbit, CH, PC, Politician

"Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a devastating condition condemning young boys to a steadily worsening disability and is inevitably fatal, usually by their early twenties. Its cause is known but its treatment is only palliative and the search for a cure to save its 100 new victims each year needs support now."