FSHD UK

Our Plan and Journey to Date

// About fshd uk

Our Plan and Journey to Date

FSHD UK was founded in 2021 with a clear purpose — to bring together patients, clinicians, researchers, charities, and industry partners to accelerate progress for people living with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) across the United Kingdom.

What began as a small but determined initiative quickly grew into a nationally recognised organisation focused on improving collaboration, expanding clinical trial opportunities, supporting research, and strengthening the voice of the UK FSHD community. In 2023, FSHD UK officially became a registered charity, marking an important milestone in our continued commitment to supporting those affected by FSHD.

Our journey has been driven by one shared goal: creating a future where people living with FSHD have access to better support, greater awareness, improved care pathways, and meaningful treatment opportunities.

Over the years, we have helped strengthen connections between healthcare professionals, patient registries, researchers, advocacy groups, and the wider FSHD community. By working collaboratively, we continue to help raise awareness of FSHD and support the progress of research and clinical trials both in the UK and internationally.

While significant progress has been made, our journey is far from over. Every step forward brings renewed hope for individuals and families affected by FSHD, and we remain committed to driving positive change for the future.

Together, we continue moving forward.

2024
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2024

TEAM START UP/SET UP

  • Jan-March: Charity Admin set up
  • April: Website Launch

2024
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2024

RESEARCH TEAM NETWORK

  • WIP: Plan to meet for next steps
2024
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2024

PATIENT ENGAGEMENT @ SITE

  • May: UCL
  • Sept/Oct: Glasgow (TBC)
  • Nov: Newcastle (TBC)
2024
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2024

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

  • WIP: Engagement Plan
2024
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2024

CLINICAL TRIAL READINESS

  • March: Avidity Fortitude P1/2 Trial starts at 2 Sites: UCL and Sheffield
  • MOVE + to be launched under ETHICS for multiple sites: Sheffield, Salford, SGS London
  • WIP: FSHD UK Network Database – funding proposal
2024
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2024

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

  • Project Mercury Country Working Group /GAP analysis work starts – Patient Journey to Advocacy & Sustainability
  • Plan to join FSHD Europe Formally
  • WIP: UK FSHD Registry – Alignment with PalaDIN (Mercury) & FSHD UK Network Database
  • Paediatrics Working Group: European Clinical Network (ECN)
2024
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2024

COST OF FSHD /ACCESS TO TREATMENTS

  • WIP: Mercury guidance