A NEW support group for Muscular Dystrophy sufferers has been launched in East Lancashire and aims to raise awareness about the condition as well as funding for research.

The Lancashire Branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is being run from Birch Hall Nursing Home, Darwen, which boasts a range of facilities for the disabled.

John Cowell, 35, of Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen, was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and has been involved with the group from the start.

He had been crying out for a Muscular Dystrophy support group in Darwen so he could get out and meet other people with the condition.

He has been appointed press officer and said: "We just want to let people know that the group is here and we are promoting awareness into Muscular Dystrophy, as well as raising money for research into the condition. It gives me something to do, as well as meeting new people and getting out and about.

"I think it's always better to get involved rather than being a passenger."

The group has had three meetings so far and about 10 to 15 people went along.

Members have also taken part in various fund-raising events, including a summer fair which raised £300.

The money was split between Birch Hall Nursing Home and the support group. A sponsored walk from Preston North End football ground to the Blackburn Rovers ground raised £450 for the support group.

The group has thanked the Odd Fellows pub in Darwen for providing the catering free of charge.

Carol Norman, a nurse at Birch Hall, is secretary of the support group.

Tony Keating, whose seven-year-old nephew has Muscular Dystrophy, is treasurer and Julie York, from Ashbourne Healthcare, is chairman.

The Muscular Dystrophy Group's national organiser Lyn Inman helped with the plans and publicity.

Muscular Dystrophy is a gradual wasting and weakening of muscle tissue, which could be facial or on the upper or lower body.

Both adults and children can be affected by the condition, which eventually leads to varying degrees of disability.

The Muscular Dystrophy Group is a national charity which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

The group invests in research to find treatments and cures and offers support to families and individuals living with neuromuscular conditions. There are currently 200 branches throughout the country and 200 individual representatives

The Lancashire Branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign meets at Birch Hall Nursing Home, which is owned by Ashbourne Healthcare, on the last Sunday of every month at 2pm and would welcome new members.

The next meeting is on Sunday, September 26 at 2pm.

Some members of the group will be helping out at the Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show at Rawtenstall on the same date.

Each biker will pay a £5 entrance fee, £2 of which will go to the Muscular Dystrophy support group.

For more details about the group call the Birch Hall Nursing Home on 01254 762323.

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