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).

Today, Michael is a role model to many – his life’s mission is MHF’s work, underpinned by a desire to not only enrich the lives of others with muscular dystrophy but also elevate people’s knowledge and understanding of the condition. A long-standing advocate in helping to promote diversity and inclusion, Michael is a catalyst for change.

A sought after inspirational business speaker, Michael closed this year’s TEDx 2018 event at the University of Warwick. His deeply moving and empowering talk entitled ‘The Power of the Polar Hug’ explores the power of possible. Keen for the message of hope, human connectivity, kindness and compassion to reach as many people globally with muscular dystrophy (irrespective of condition type), you can help by watching Michael’s TEDx talk here but also sharing it with your communities.

The charity was first known as ‘pole2pole’ before being later renamed The Muscular Help Foundation and then finally The Muscle Help Foundation. 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 (8-28yrs) with the muscle wasting condition, Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and allied neuromuscular conditions.

MHF is a small, multi-award winning charity (rooted in family values) 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 by either fundraising for us or perhaps you might like to join our tribe as a volunteer.

As of December 2018, the charity has delivered 285 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 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. The charity is also a member of the Fundraising Regulator, Stewardship (helping the Christian community in the UK to give and to receive), the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP) and in October 2018, MHF became a member of the UK Genetic Disorders Partnership Network via Genetic Disorders UK (national charity working to improve the lives of individuals and families living with a genetic disorder).