Our Trustees

Matthew joined the charity’s Board as Charity Treasurer in January 2020. Since then he has devoted his financial skills and time to help the charity thrive and continue in achieving its mission.

Matthew is a Finance Manager at Hollister Incorporated, a medical devices company, where he uses his analytical skills to help the management with budget setting, strategic planning and performance management. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Keele University and has ACCA certification. 

Matthew has had links to the charity since its inception. Whilst his work experience is in the commercial world, he brings with him strategic, analytical and communication skills, an inquisitive mind and a positive attitude. In April 2024, he took on the additional role as Interim Chair.

Claire is a Technologist and Senior Leader with 30 years’ experience of transforming organisations using technology to delight customers. She combines the ability to strategically look across an organisation with the ability to deliver and connect the dots, maximising cross functional working relationships. Currently, Claire heads up strategic and technology delivery, stage management and insider programmes for disguise, bringing spectacular visual experiences to global audiences.

Claire is delighted to be a Trustee for the Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) fully supporting our family-focussed approach. She is an advocate of recognising our humanity, the common thread that brings us all together, and leveraging this to deliver spectacular results for our beneficiaries.

As a Trustee with responsibility for digital, Claire brings a wealth of experience in creating value through technology. She will strengthen MHF’s focus on corporate support and fundraising, leveraging digital channels to boost the charity’s presence and drive income generation.

Having lost family members to similar conditions and with disabled family members, she is no stranger to life with challenges. As a result, she believes in making the most of every day, especially the richness of shared experiences and memories. Bringing her passion and warmth to the role, Claire is looking forward to helping MHF fulfil its 657 Muscle Dream mission for beneficiaries and families.

Michael has extensive experience in sales, marketing and commercial development specifically within the banking, insurance and health sectors. He currently works for Simplyhealth as their Strategic Partnerships Director. Both Michael and his daughter have Bethlem Myopathy, classified as a rare type of muscular dystrophy.

Michael learned about the work of The Muscle Help Foundation through the Trustee Leadership Programme he attended sponsored by Close Brothers Group and delivered by Cause4, a social enterprise and B-Corporation that champions disruptive philanthropy and new ways of scaling up charities and social enterprises. Cause 4’s Trustee Leadership Programme Alumni Newsletter (Feb ’19) featured his appointment here in which he shares his insights about becoming a Trustee.

Michael is looking forward to making an impact by bringing his diverse talents, skills and commercial business experience to the charity’s Trustee Board.

Shalon is an experienced international finance and commercial lawyer, specialising in the renewable and green market. She is currently Head of Legal at fund manager Octopus Renewables, managing more than £3 billion of assets globally, including large swathes of onshore wind and solar capacity across Europe and Australia. Previous to this, she spent twelve years at Linklaters LLP, a multinational law firm headquartered in London and a member of the Magic Circle of elite British law firms.

Shalon has both UK and international expertise in the legal and financial sectors. She has a particular interest in the renewable and green energy market. She regularly advises on and manages large scale and innovative projects, both leading and collaborating with diverse teams and developing strong client relationships.

By joining the charity’s Trustee Board, Shalon is not only excited about expanding her own personal development in being able to broaden her existing skill set in a very different environment whilst acquiring new skills but also adding value to a small charity. Shalon’s strengths include strong analytical skills and legal knowledge. As well as being a team player, her commitment to equality and diversity, disability awareness and human resources are valuable assets.

Shalon lost her then older brother to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). As a result, her insights are drawn from personal family experiences combined with her passion and energy to support a cause that’s close to her heart.

Sue has rejoined the Board as a Trustee after a break. She continues to be the charity’s official secretary since 2003. She remains an invaluable contributor to the Board. A dedicated, tireless and passionate supporter of the charity’s work.

Providing a crucial role working alongside the CEO across a multitude of projects and initiatives linked to the charity’s Muscle Dream activities. Sue works closely with the other Board members and the Interim Chair on governance, safeguarding, HR and resourcing needs.

Married to MHF’s founder and CEO Michael McGrath MBE, Sue has a unique and invaluable perspective in deeply understanding the adversities faced by families living with muscular dystrophy.