Sports presenter Sue Barker makes an appeal on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy and other muscle-wasting conditions. These genetic conditions affect 70,000 people in the UK and cause muscles to weaken over time, resulting in increasing disability and severe health issues. Sue has been the President of the charity for 11 years.

The appeal features the story of Jonathan Gilmour, who has one of the most severe types of muscular dystrophy. Jonathan needs care around the clock and has to overcome immense physical challenges every day. Few people with his form of muscular dystrophy live beyond their 30th birthday, but 28-year-old Jonathan focuses on making the most of his friendships and academic studies. With the help of Muscular Dystrophy UK, which has advised and supported Jonathan and his family since he was diagnosed, Jonathan is working on a PhD at Cambridge University. Sue also meets seven-year-old Abbi Bennett, who was diagnosed as a toddler. Abbi cannot go up stairs or pick herself up from the floor when she falls down. Her parents know that Abbi's condition will deteriorate over time, and they place their hope in research into future cures and treatments. With funding from Muscular Dystrophy UK, research scientists like Professor Matthew Woods are developing a technique called exon skipping that is showing real promise as a potential treatment. Show less