Martin HeywoodA man with muscular dystrophy is reunited with a famous comedian who bonded over their love of the same football team.
Martin Haywood, 50, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 23 and met comedian Jon Richardson at a Leeds United match.
They bonded over their love of the club and continued to fundraise together. Richardson described Mr Heywood as “absolutely amazing”.
The pair organized a fundraising comedy night at Aylesbury Waterside Theater on October 11.
Martin Heywoodmuscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that usually affects young men and causes progressive muscle degeneration.
Mr Heywood lost the ability to walk in 2020 and became a full-time wheelchair user.
He was hired by Muscular Dystrophy UK in 2021 and has helped raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
“I feel like I have the best job in the world,” he said, adding that he hoped to raise £300,000 through the comedy night.
Other comedians including Kojo Amin, Matt Forde, Suzy Rufell and Tim Wine will also perform.
Speaking to the BBC before the show, Heywood said: “I was very nervous and I felt responsible for the event.”
Mr Richardson said: “Martin is absolutely extraordinary”.
“Martin runs the theater and does all the hard work.
“I just brought some comics and got all the glory of the night.”
Haywood said it was important to raise funds to tackle muscular dystrophy, a disease that also affects his brother, who is two years older.
“We knew my brother and I might not get treatment, but I wanted to help the kids move forward,” he said.
