This week, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP, Ashok Kumar, met with constituents Cath McNicol and Caroline Bean from Middlesbrough at the launch of Trailblazers, the National Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s new volunteering project which gives young disabled people the chance to campaign on issues important to them in their local communities.

The launch was held in Westminster where over 50 young people, families and supporters from around the country came together to present their stories, experiences and aims for Trailblazers to M.P.’ and Peers.

Ashok said “It was heartening to meet Cath and Caroline and to see their enthusiasm.  They tell me the Trailblazers network is open to anyone aged between 16 and 30 and who want to fight for the rights of disabled people. They gave examples of issues that affect them deeply, such as the need for better support at school and university and easier access to transport and leisure facilities.”

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign tells me that 1 in 1,000 people in my constituency are living with muscle disease, and that is why I have added my name to a House of Commons motion calling on the Government to examine and overcome obstacles faced by young people with disabilities who want to access education, housing, employment and work experience.”

“Too often the views of young people are ignored. Just because you are young it doesn’t mean you can’t make a positive difference in your local community. I commend the work of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign who are running the young campaigners network.”

Cath McNichol said “As well as having the chance to campaign on the things that are most important to me, Trailblazers will give me an opportunity to make friends with people who have similar interests.”

“Trailblazers” she went on to say, “will also give me the chance me to inform younger members of the group about the problems they might face, and to talk with older members about what their own experiences.. It will be great to see this project develop into such a big network as it will help so many campaigners like myself to learn lots of new skills which we will all be able to use in the future.”

Robert Meadowcroft, Director of Policy and Operations for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign said  “I’m delighted that we can count on the support of Dr Kumar in the fight against muscle disease. He is a strong voice in Parliament for our Trailblazers network.”