History

The launch pad for The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) was a project called pole2pole. Established by Michael McGrath and Miles Peckham (angel investor & expedition partner), an ambitious goal was set to journey to both the North and South Poles, two of the most extreme places on earth. The North Pole was reached in April 2002 and the South Pole in January 2004 – in so doing, Michael made history by becoming the first disabled person in the world to have successfully led expeditions to both Poles. What makes this achievement all the more remarkable is that in 1984, aged just 18, Michael was diagnosed with the muscle wasting disease Muscular Dystrophy (MD). 

The charity was first known as ‘pole2pole’ before being later renamed The Muscular Help Foundation and then finally The Muscle Help Foundation. The Founders are Michael McGrath and Miles Peckham. Click here to learn more about our team and our current Trustee Board.

The charity delivers transformational experiences in the UK called Muscle Dreams for children and young people with the muscle wasting disease, Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and allied neuromuscular conditions.

Today, MHF is a small, multi-award winning charity with national reach. It has a singular focus to deliver 657 Muscle Dreams, that’s one life-changing experience for every muscle in the human body. Anchored at the heart of the charity is a unique initiative designed to allow anyone to quickly grasp, support and champion our work – learn more about the #powerof657 and how you can get involved.

As of December 2017, the charity has delivered 267 Muscle Dream experiences – it’s impact is being felt across the UK by beneficiaries, families, their friends and the wider community including schools. In addition, MHF has over several years established friendships and partnerships with other muscular dystrophy charities across the UK such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy Support UK, the Eileen McCallum Trust, DMD Pathfinders, Duchenne Family Support Group (DFSG) and Muscular Dystrophy UK as well as relationships with many UK hospices including: Acorn’s Children’s Hospice, Hope House Hospice, Chestnut Tree House Hospice, The J’s Hospice, Keech Hospice, Naomi House & Jack’s Place Hospice, Shooting Star Chase Hospice and Ty Hafan Hospice to name but a few.

MHF is an active member of Together for Short Lives, a leading UK charity for children with life-threatening & life-limiting conditions. It is also a member of the Fundraising Regulator, Stewardship, the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP) and CharityComms.