VOLUNTEERING has helped a Bovey Tracey man cope with a life-changing genetic condition.

Bernard Coleman, 64, was diagnosed 30 years ago with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness that affects his face, shoulders, and upper arms.

But it is through his volunteering that he formed a lasting friendship with a fellow sufferer, Maurice Cooper, 74, from the West Midlands.

Both are supporting Volunteers Week, which runs from June 2 to 8, and calling for others to join them in making a difference.

Bernard and Maurice have been volunteering for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

It was through the charity they formed a lasting friendship.

Former postman Bernard explained: ‘I initially went to the doctors with problems with my back and was referred to a specialist.

‘During this appointment the neurologist said, ‘Did you realise one leg is thinner than the other?’

‘That initiated a muscle biopsy and after various tests I received my diagnosis.’

Bernard contacted the charity’s free helpline and after receiving valuable support, he wanted to give something back.

He said: ‘I’m grateful for the help and support that Muscular Dystrophy UK gives me and many others living with a muscle wasting and weakening condition.

‘There’s always someone there who will talk in some aspect, whatever it might be.

‘Without the charity I feel a lot of people would be very much up the river without a paddle. ‘Volunteering is a way of saying thank you for the support I’ve received and allows me to gain new experiences.

‘It’s an opportunity to raise more awareness of my condition and highlights the incredible work the charity does. To make a strong friendship out of it has been a huge bonus.”

Bernard met Maurice through the charity’s WhatsApp support groups and formed a virtual friendship 18 months ago.

They recently met in person for the first time at the Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Information Day, in Birmingham.

Bernard is a peer volunteer who provides much needed support, advice, and guidance to anyone who is affected by a muscle wasting or weakening condition and Maurice is training to be one.

Maurice said: ‘I get a lot of joy out of volunteering for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Interacting with lots of other like-minded people living with different muscle wasting and weakening conditions, who are experiencing similar problems.

‘By talking with others you gave a better understanding and can pass that knowledge on. Having those connections, like my friendship with Bernard, and volunteering really boosts my mental health.’

Calley Clay, Volunteer Engagement Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: ‘Volunteers’ Week is a great chance to celebrate all our incredible volunteers within the muscle wasting and weakening community, like Bernard and Maurice, who dedicate their time to help make a difference.

‘We wouldn’t be able to do the work we do to fund groundbreaking research and life-changing support without their valuable and generous contributions.

‘A huge thank you to both of them for all their commitment and to the rest of our volunteers for supporting the cause.’

Find out more about how volunteering with Muscular Dystrophy UK musculardystrophyuk.org/volunteering