On Sunday, a dedicated fundraiser will join thousands of runners at the Bidwells Oxford 10k to support Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for over 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.
A Personal Mission
Chris Finister, 52, from Evenley, is running for his partner, Liz Williams, 52, who was diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) in 2004. This genetic condition causes progressive muscle weakness affecting the face, shoulders, and upper arms, and Liz is a full-time wheelchair user. This will be Chris’s fourth Oxford 10k race, and he has also completed the London Marathon and Great North Run several times over the years. All to help fund groundbreaking research and provide vital support for individuals living with a muscle-wasting condition and their families.
Liz’s Advocacy and Volunteering
The mother-of-two, Liz, has been a passionate advocate for people living with FSHD since her diagnosis. As a peer-to-peer volunteer, Liz uses her own lived experience to help support others with a muscle-wasting condition. Explaining what volunteering and supporting others means to her, Liz said: “Volunteering with Muscular Dystrophy UK has enabled me to maintain a level of independence, and I'm grateful for the knowledge I've gained from others. The number of happy endorphins I get every time I feel I’ve helped someone in some way, is huge. It’s great for my mental health and has been a real joy.
“Witnessing first-hand the support the charity provides for people living with a condition and their families really highlights the importance of events like the Bidwells Oxford 10k. Not only does it help to raise awareness by putting muscular dystrophy at the front of people’s minds, but the money raised helps the charity to continue to provide support, fund groundbreaking research and develop new treatments.”
Chris’s Determination
Ahead of the 10k event, Chris said: “I’m looking forward to running in this year’s race, and it’s always fantastic to see the local Oxford community coming together to support such a strong cause. Witnessing Liz living with a muscle-wasting condition has robbed her of many things, but her sheer grit and passion to fight for a more inclusive world are remarkable.”
Chris will join more than 7,500 runners in the only closed-route race in Oxford, which will be officially started by the Blackmore family, including Leanne Blackmore, mother to Evie, 15, and Martha, 11, who all live with FSHD.
History of the Event
Now in its 44th year, the Bidwells Oxford 10k is the oldest run in the Town and Gown series, with the sister event taking place in Cambridge in October. Inspired by a local boy, Daniel Cleaver, who had muscular dystrophy, it started in 1982. Daniel’s father and local runners set up the event as a fun run. To this day, all profits from the 10k series go to supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK and have collectively raised more than £3 million.
For further information about the sold-out event and to register your interest in Bidwells Oxford 10k 2027, visit musculardystrophyuk.org/bidwellsoxford10k. For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK, visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm).
