Family Funds are a great way to raise funds as a family for our work. The money you raise could go towards research for a particular condition or help with research and support more generally, as well as provide direct support or equipment for your family.
What is a family fund?
Family Funds are a special way to support people close to you and a much wider group of people living with muscle wasting or weakening conditions. Our Family Funds are an incredibly important part of our community.
As a Family Fund you will raise monies through fundraising activities that you take part in or organise with our support. You can choose to fund research into a condition that interests you. You can also reserve up to 20% specifically for your family’s welfare and support needs – such as buying a wheelchair or adapting your house.
What does creating a family fund involve?
As a Family Fund, your family will organise and carry out all kinds of fundraising activities with our support. You’ll encourage your family, work and community network to get involved. You’ll be a key face of Muscular Dystrophy UK locally. And you’ll share your activities, messages, and stories on social media – perhaps in local and national media, too.
Being a Family Fund is a fun, enriching and rewarding experience. It’s also a serious commitment. Family Funds tend to be among the most driven and passionate fundraisers we work with – because they have a real desire for research to progress quickly.
WHAT SUPPORT WILL YOU RECEIVE?
Our Family Funds dedicate a lot of time and effort to raising funds. We recognise your efforts and provide the support to match. As part of this unique community, you’ll receive:
- A dedicated Community Fundraising Manager
- Updates on the impact of your funds
- Invites to exclusive events where we bring together family funds to have fun and connect
- Your own specially designed Family Fund logo (with your unique Family Fund name) and a range of branded materials
- A regular stream of the very best and latest fundraising ideas
- Help with publicising your ideas and events
We also appreciate that people’s feelings and circumstances change. If you ever decide to retire your Family Fund, all you need to do is discuss it with your Community Fundraising Manager. There will always be a place for you in our community.
Our family funds
Riders for Rohan
Riders for Rohan was set up by Rohan's parents Tom and Nikki after he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The fund looks to raise money for research into the condition and to help support other families in a similar situation.
Amazing Maisie’s Mission
Amazing Maisie's Mission was set up by Laura and Chris after their daughter, Maisie, was diagnosed with LMNA-related muscular dystrophy in December 2025.
Charley’s More Than Muscle
Charley's More Than Muscle aims to fund life-changing research and support Charley's future needs. Be part of Charley's journey.
Brave like Louie Family Fund
The ‘Brave Like Louie’ Family Fund aims to fund life-changing research and support Louie’s future needs.
Jackman DMD
Jack is a bright, cheeky, and fun-loving 9-year-old who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) — a rare, progressive, and life- limiting muscle wasting condition.
Declan’s Muscle Mission
Declan was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age 8. After his diagnosis, his family set up a Family Fund to raise money for vital research, hoping to improve the lives of children like Declan.
Leo’s Pride Family Fund
Just before their wedding in May 2017, Louise and Mitchell received a call to meet with the neurology and respiratory teams in Edinburgh regarding their young son, Leo.
Phenomenal Phoebe Family Fund
Phoebe was diagnosed in December 2023, at the age of 5, with Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD). After numerous appointments, travelling from Shetland to mainland Scotland and undergoing various tests, Phoebe was finally diagnosed.
Smiley Miley Family Fund
Smiley Miley is a family fund set up by Katie and Christopher after their daughter, Miley, was diagnosed with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy in 2024. Miley wakes up with a smile on her face every day, earning her the nickname Smiley Miley, amongst family and friends. She loves playing with the family’s dog, Nico. The two are inseparable together.
Backing Super Jack Family Fund
George’s Journey
Bertie’s Buccaneers
Read our Family Fund stories
Find out what some of our family funds have been up to
