A life worth living

Stuart Reid

Stuart Reid

A severely disabled young man from Solihull is starring in a documentary about remarkable people living with his condition.

Knowle’s Stuart Reid, 28, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive muscle-wasting condition which causes most people die in their 20s.

Yesterday, Wednesday 25 May, Stuart was filmed for the documentary talking about his life and how despite his condition which means he needs around the clock care, he lives a full life, working part-time at his father’s firm and recently writing a thriller novel set in World War II.

The driving force behind the film is a 30-year-old man who also has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Jon Hastie from Worthing is touring the UK, stopping in various cities to interview inspirational men like Stuart. The aim of the film is to give hope to others with the condition and to educate people about living with muscle disease.

Speaking about starring in the documentary Stuart said, “It was really exciting to be interviewed about my life and to help a new generation of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. I’m living proof that this condition doesn’t have to stop you – you can achieve a lot of great things in life.”

Jon, who works part-time at a disability organisation, and has a Ph.D. in Government will also be visiting people in Manchester, Wales, Solihull, London and the Netherlands, all who have achieved something remarkable despite having this severe disability. They include campaigners, artists, novelists and music promoters.

Nic Bungay, Director of Care, Support and Campaigns at national muscle disease charity, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign said, “We’re really grateful to people like Stuart and Jon for their work in highlighting these devastating conditions and helping us raise vital funds for research into finding a cure. They are truly inspirational men.”

To find out more about the film visit alifeworthlivingfilm.com.

To find out more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy visit muscular-dystrophy.org.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading UK charity focusing on muscle-wasting disease. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for more than 50 years, and is dedicated to improving the lives of all children and adults affected by muscle disease.