Michael McGrath: C4 Paralympic Breakfast Show interview (1)

75 young people with Muscular Dystrophy enjoy Paralympics thanks to Muscle Help Foundation supported by Etac UK

Etac UK Limited, the highly respected powerchair specialist, was proud to support the 'Games Inspired Muscle Dreams' charity programme at the 2012 Paralympic Games which delivered a once in a lifetime experience for 75 young people with Muscular Dystrophy (30 August - 9 September).

The Muscle Help Foundation delivers amazing and unforgettable experiences in the UK called Muscle Dreams for children and young people afflicted by the muscle wasting disease, Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy affects over 70,000 people in the UK and varies in complexity with no known cure. As part of this ongoing mission, this innovative Paralympic related project has been in development for over two years and was conceptualised by the Muscle Help Foundation's inspirational CEO Michael McGrath. Michael himself has Muscular Dystrophy -- he has been an Etac Balder powerchair owner for several years and is a remarkable individual who besides being the driving force behind this family charity is a highly accomplished motivational speaker. He is also the first and currently only disabled person to have successfully led expeditions to both the North and South Poles and carried the Paralympic torch from the London Borough of Waltham Forest on 29 August at 19:14.

Michael approached the UK division of the Scandinavian powerchair supplier Etac, to ascertain whether support could be given to this unique programme in terms of technical and marketing resources. Ian Carter, Etac UK Managing Director was delighted to provide assistance as he explains: "We have had a close relationship with Michael for many years now as he has been loyal to the Etac brand. When he explained his intentions to take 75 Muscle Dream beneficiaries to the Paralympics, Etac UK immediately agreed to provide a powerchair product specialist to help with technical issues and its Public Relations consultant to assist with generating press awareness. We believe the work of the Muscle Help Foundation is essential for empowering and inspiring young individuals with Muscular Dystrophy and regard this programme as one of the key achievements inspired by the 2012 Paralympic Games."

'Games Inspired Muscle Dreams' was granted the official 'Inspired by London 2012' mark, which is indicative of the value placed on the programme by the Paralympic Games organisers. Amongst others, Lord Coe, Chair of LOCOG together with Charity patron Lorraine Kelly OBE as well as the Deputy Chair of the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group, Jonathan Edwards, endorsed the event whilst businesses including Standard Life, Zibrant, PwC and BI Worldwide provided sponsorship.

Over a period of nine days, five groups of disabled boys, girls and their families from across the UK, were fully assisted, accommodated and transported to the Olympic Park to watch several Paralympic sports and met athletes face-to-face.

The Paralympics official broadcaster Channel 4 invited Michael and one of his beneficiaries to appear on the Paralympic Breakfast Show. Michael ensured that every one of his beneficiaries left with unforgettable memories which will inspire and motivate them for years to come.

Michael concludes: "I would like to thank Etac for supplying me with such a fantastic Balder powerchair all these years which has helped me achieve so much and their recent offer of support for this event. My aim is for our charity's engagement with the Paralympics to have been utterly inspirational and truly enriching for our Muscle Dream beneficiaries but also act as a platform to raise more awareness about Muscular Dystrophy. I was especially keen to focus on making sure that each one of our recipients got the opportunity to witness the power of sport, so much so that they themselves become 'champions of inspiration' in sharing what they've seen with their families, schools and local communities. We have changed some lives!"

'Games Inspired Muscle Dreams' -- a uniquely compelling event at the London 2012 Paralympic Games supported by Etac UK. For info, go to: www.musclehelp.com

For more information visit http://www.musclehelp.com/