Gabby Logan presents Nottingham Research Scientist with charity award

There were six awards presented, including ‘Early Career Scientist of the Year’, which was won by Dr Ami Ketley, 39, from the University of Nottingham.

Ami recently secured a research grant from Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for the 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions. The other awards celebrated success in fundraising, volunteering, caring, and community engagement, and there was also an outstanding achievement award.

Dr Ami Ketley retrained in bioinformatics through a Daphne Jackson Fellowship following a career break to raise her children. Now working at the University of Nottingham, she recently secured a Muscular Dystrophy UK research grant to study genetic variations in different tissues of people living with myotonic dystrophy – a rare condition that causes progressive muscle weakness.

Using new technology called single-cell transcriptional profiling, the research project aims to improve understanding of myotonic dystrophy and what happens inside different tissues at a very detailed, molecular level. Results should highlight which potential genes could be targeted for treatments.

Passionate about improving patient outcomes, Ami is also a Trustee of the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group and actively engages with the patient community, sharing her research at their events. She describes this as a “huge source inspiration and motivation, connecting work in the lab to real people.”

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.”

In the Early Career Scientist of the Year category, Dr Ellie Rhymes was also Highly Commended for her significant contributions to research in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The other awards presented on the night were:

Volunteer of the Year Award: Phil Grant (Highly Commended: Graham Gornall)

Fundraiser of the Year Award: Tom Penzer Adams

Peter and Nancy Andrews Award for Community Achievement: Elizabeth Keenan

Alexander and Valerie Patrick Award for Carer of the Year: Isabel Spragg (Highly Commended: Donal Burns)

Richard Attenborough Award for Outstanding Achievement (presented by Michael Attenborough CBE): Sheila Hawkins (Special Recognition: Ula Maria)

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 www.musculardystrophyuk.org