Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Muscle Help Foundation charity statement
Posted on March 16th, 2020
“The health and safety of our Muscle Warrior community is our number one priority. The Muscle Help Foundation charity has a duty of care to ensure the well-being and safety of our beneficiaries, families, volunteers and indeed anyone that we come into contact with – this is very much at the forefront of our minds; we recognise that the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is extremely unsettling” (SOURCE: Michael McGrath, Founder & CEO, The Muscle Help Foundation)
Based on current guidelines (as of 16th March 2020) and having taken counsel with the Muscle Help Foundation Trustee Board, the charity took the decision to postpone it’s 2020 signature Muscle Dream programmes ie. 8-9 June 2020 (Porsche) + 22-23 June 2020 (Flying).
In addition, we are postponing any further unique (singular) face-to-face Muscle Dream interventions until further notice. Given this fast-moving situation where updates are being made on almost a daily basis, the charity will review this position on a regular basis and will share any updates via this Latest News feed and/or via our social channels.
The charity will continue to dedicate itself to the guiding principle of protecting your wellbeing, something we take extremely seriously – we understand that every time we deliver a Muscle Dream experience, you and your loved ones put your trust in us to make the right decisions.
Over the past week, the Muscle Help Foundation has closely observed and read the increasing number of statements and information guidance notes made by several other charities and national support groups in the neuromuscular space, in addition to the Charity Commission’s recommendation to ‘check the most up to date advice from Public Health England’ – we know from direct conversations that many of our Muscle Warrior families across the UK have changed their behaviours, are taking precautionary measures and in most instances, are self-isolating.
To avoid catching or spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19), the NHS advice is clear:
DO wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 secs
DO wash your hands when you get home or into work
DO use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
DO cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
DO put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
DO try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
DON’T touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
More than 95% of the charity’s beneficiaries are those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Click HERE to read the very informative statement from the DMD Pathfinders charity (supported by Duchenne UK) regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) including their extra precautionary suggestions for those with DMD.
The charity is continuing to closely monitor the official guidance and advice communicated via Public Health England, the UK Government and the World Health Organisation. For more information, visit:
Go to NHS.UK/coronavirus for information about the virus and how to protect yourself
Go to the official UK site, with information provided from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England
Go to NHS Overview for information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
On a more positive note, the charity is actively looking at how best it can support beneficiaries and families across the UK at this time in making sure they feel connected and part of our Muscle Warrior tribe – you can help inform this process by simply reaching out to our CEO Michael McGrath here and sharing any ideas that you may have – the more creative, the better!
Underpinned by our STRONGER TOGETHER spirit, please look out for one another and if the charity can help in any way, please GET IN TOUCH and let us know how and we will do our best – we are thinking of you all and sending a BIG Muscle Warrior salute filled with hope, courage, strength and unity!
