Paralympian boccia brothers take aim at muscular dystrophy

A press release from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign:

Paralympian boccia stars Peter and Stephen McGuire have vowed to help families across Scotland living with muscle-wasting conditions to access life-changing equipment and support, after becoming ambassadors for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Scottish, British and European champions Peter (30) and Stephen (28) were both born with an undiagnosed form of muscular dystrophy, which causes muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasing disability. The brothers from Hamilton in Lanarkshire have already backed a string of fundraising events for the charity, which funds research into treatments for muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions and supports all those affected by them.

The pair received praise for their steely determination after a documentary following their journey to selection for the London 2012 Paralympic Games was broadcast by BBC Scotland last summer. They began fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign following the games, taking part in a celebrity sports quiz, street collections and persuading family members to back a bungee-jumping event, securing £1000s in donations.

Stephen said:

“I have really enjoyed getting involved with the charity, particularly connecting with young people affected by muscular dystrophy. Through us they see the realities of the condition, but also that it doesn’t stop us. We are out there doing what we want to do and are not restricted by muscular dystrophy. That said, Peter and I understand the importance of having the right equipment and support. We struggled for years to get suitable wheelchairs. It is just so important to ensure children and young people can get access to what they need for day to day life – and that this doesn’t disappear entirely once they become adults.”

Peter said:

“We have been to a lot of Muscular Dystrophy Campaign events in Scotland, and it has been great to speak with young people who have just been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, and their families. We hope we can be role models and encourage them to be determined to succeed in what they want to do.”

Robert Meadowcroft, Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said:

“We feel extremely proud to have Peter and Stephen as ambassadors for the charity, and are very grateful for the help they have already given our fundraising team in Scotland. The McGuire brothers are known for their positivity and determination alongside their outstanding sporting achievement, and they are role models for many young people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with them in raising awareness about muscle-wasting conditions and in making a difference to the thousands of Scottish families who live with them.”