Aston Villa fan wins Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Award at surprise ceremony

A West Midlands man has received a prestigious charity award, in recognition for being a true community champion over the past year, at a surprise ceremony at Aston Villa Football Club.

Bryan Gould, 64, from Stourbridge, Dudley, received one of six President’s Awards from Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

Muscular Dystrophy UK arranged the surprise ceremony at Bryan’s beloved Aston Villa’s football ground, where he was awarded by the club’s legendary player Tony Daley, who also played for England and Wolves.

Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards recognises heroes within the muscle-wasting and weakening community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference. 

Bryan won the Peter and Nancy Andrews Community Achievement Award at the Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards in association with Airnow Technology.

Unable to attend the original ceremony, hosted by the charity’s President and TV presenter, Gabby Logan MBE, on Monday 19 February, at the Salesforce Tower in the heart of the City of London, the charity contacted Aston Villa, who were keen to show their support for their avid fan.

On the night Gabby Logan described Byran as a phenomenal fundraiser and greatly active campaigner, heavily involved in all aspects of the charity’s work.

Bryan, who was diagnosed with Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, is a long-standing volunteer, who founded and chairs the Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy group and is co-chair of the West Midlands Regional Neuromuscular network.

Bryan is an active member of the muscle-wasting and weakening community and has made himself available to support those who need it.

Gabby Logan said:

“The Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards celebrates the strength and diversity of our fantastic muscle-wasting and weakening community. We’re consistently blown away by the dedication and selflessness of people. The awards recognise those outstanding people doing remarkable things to help make a difference. Congratulations to Bryan for winning one of the awards.”

After receiving the Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards – Peter and Nancy Andrews Community Achievement Award. Bryan said:

“I am extremely grateful to Muscular Dystrophy UK, Martin Hywood, Aston Villa football club and not forgetting a Villa legend from the 80s Tony Dayley, who presented me with my charity award. A very special afternoon at my football club with a Villa star, staff, family and Leeds fan Martin from the charity. Loved it.”

There were six awards in total, recognising success in fundraising, caring, volunteering, community engagement and research, as well as an outstanding achievement award. Four award recipients were nominated by staff and the remaining based on external votes. All were shortlisted by a judging panel made up of the charity’s trustees.

Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead, who called Bryan on the night of the awards said:

“Congratulations to Bryan for winning one of the Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards. We received lots of strong nominations – making the judging process harder than ever. It’s lovely to be able to recognise people who give their all to making a difference for those living with a muscle wasting and weakening condition.”

For more information on Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards winners please visit musculardystrophyuk.org/PresidentsAwards

For more information or to help support their work, please visit: musculardystrophyuk.org or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (Mon – Thu 10am – 2pm).