Marathon fundraiser from Lichfield wins award for outstanding commitment

Tom was recognised for his outstanding and creative fundraising achievements last year, raising money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions. The other awards celebrated success in volunteering, caring, community engagement and research, and there was also an outstanding achievement award.

It was over a year ago that Tom Penzer Adams ran the first marathon of his challenge – the Tokyo Marathon on 3 March 2024. This was the first of eight marathons over eight consecutive weeks, which saw Tom travel around the UK, from Skegness to Brighton, as well as taking part in overseas marathons in Tokyo and Boston. In total, he ran 209 miles, finishing with the London Marathon on 21 April. A highlight was the community marathon event he organised in his hometown of Lichfield.

His challenge stemmed from friendship as one of his oldest friends, Jonny, has two older brothers, Gary and Paul, who live with a muscle wasting condition. Tom set out to raise £8,000 to show his support for the family, but smashed this fundraising target, raising over £20,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Tom also helped to raise awareness of the charity, featured on BBC News and shared inspiring video messages from legends like Paula Radcliffe MBE and Paralympic Gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE.

Tom is currently training for his latest running challenge – running six ultra marathons in six days, which he’s doing to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Neonatal Surgical Ward to thank them for caring for his daughter after she underwent life-saving surgery for Intestinal Malrotation.

The Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards ceremony took place at Salesforce Tower in London on the evening of Monday 17 March and was hosted by the charity’s President, Gabby Logan MBE.

Gabby Logan said: “It’s always an honour to be at the President’s Awards where we celebrate the outstanding achievements of people in the muscle wasting community. It’s a chance to highlight some of the incredible work that goes on, often unseen, whether that’s people doing amazing things to raise money or individuals caring for and supporting others. And of course, the inspiring scientists who are looking for ways to help people in our community improve the quality of their lives.

“All six awards were presented to deserving winners and it was a privilege to hear their stories. I’d like to say congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted for an award, and indeed everyone who supports Muscular Dystrophy UK. Together, we can make a real difference and change the future of muscle wasting conditions.”

The other awards presented on the night were:

Andy Fletcher, Chief Executive at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “Congratulations to all our winners and nominees. It’s always a privilege to meet people who go above and beyond to make a difference for those living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions, and great to be able to recognise them in this way. I’d like to say a special thank you to our President Gabby Logan for presenting the awards, our awards sponsor Airnow Technology, and to everyone who continues to do incredible things for our community. From care and research to volunteering and fundraising, you all make a difference.”

Find out more about Muscular Dystrophy UK at musculardystrophyuk.org