Margaret Bowler

Diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy, a rare muscle wasting disease? Imagine, no lay literature, no professionals to seek advice from, no research and no-one to talk to. In 1989, Margaret changed this and the lives of Myotonic Dystrophy sufferers forever, by founding the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group, now internationally known and bringing together the 'family' she has dedicated her life to. To do this, you have to be special - qualities from her devotion locally to midwifery (40 years), the Parish Church and Guiding movement in particular, made the impossible, possible. As National Coordinator of the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group, she has achieved so much: commissioned the first lay book for families on Myotonic Dystrophy; sent 187 reassembled wheelchairs to school children with the disease in Bulgaria; raised the awareness of Myotonic Dystrophy through speaking at national and international conferences and participating in workshops; raised funds to support research on Myotonic Dystrophy, and most importantly has given families hope by bringing them together with scientists, researchers, clinicians, doctors and other families with Myotonic Dystrophy. Throughout she is always Margaret; humble and modest about her achievements, warm and caring to all. Inspirational - yes, known in the local community - certainly. And anticipating walking, at 74 years old, along Hadrian's Wall for the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group this summer - you bet!