muscular dystrophy campaigner visits

February 2005

Eight year old Matthew Berry visited BSMS recently to came in to speak to second year students about his condition.

Matthew, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and his mum Sue were invited to talk to the second year medical students by Professor Di Watt as part of their course in muscular skeletal anatomy.

Matthew and Sue took questions from Prof Watt and students about how Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects their lives, and ways in which they overcome obstacles. Sue also gave a short talk about her experience of diagnosis and interaction with medical professionals. The idea being to teach the future doctors about the early signs of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the sensitivity they should show in their dealings with parents.

Before Matthew and Sue's talk, the students had listened to a consultant paediatrician, John Trounce, and Prof Watt talk about the medical side of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hearing Matthew and Sue talk afterwards really brought the subject to life for the students. This was reflected in the large group who stayed behind after the lecture to continue talking to Matthew.

Sue Berry said: "Matty and I thoroughly enjoyed the event, and would gladly do the same again." And Matthew added: "I loved talking to the students, they were really nice to me."

The students are currently undertaking a module in ‘Reproduction and Locomotion’ which involves studying disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Prof Di Watt organised the visit through her associations and research work with the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

For more information on the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, visit www.muscular-dystrophy.org