In memory of Philip Anderson

Fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK in memory of Philip Anderson

Independent Living regulars will remember the wonderful articles written for us by Philip Anderson up until his sad death from Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) in 2022.

I was pleased to hear that three of his daughters have just completed the London to Brighton cycle ride to raise funds in his memory for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the charity for people with muscle wasting conditions.

Hannah Lowry, 40, from Weybridge, Surrey, Katherine Reading, 41, Chelmsford, Essex, and Lucy Anderson, 33, Hackney, London, cycled 55 miles on Sunday 13 September.
 

Rare degenerative muscle condition

Philip was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), a rare, progressive muscle condition that causes increasing muscle weakness and wasting at 60. Almost a decade later, he died in October 2022, leaving behind his wife, four daughters and six grandchildren.

The sisters wanted to raise awareness of the condition and the cause in his memory, and completed the challenge that falls within Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month.
 

Hannah said:

“Our dad’s decline was rapid and unkind and within just two years of his diagnosis, he was reliant on a powered wheelchair full-time.

“Whilst this terrible condition took away Dad’s muscles, the one thing it couldn’t take was his sense of humour. Even towards the end, when he could barely raise his arms or swallow, if we asked how he felt, he would declare with his characteristic smile: ‘I’ve never felt better!’

“Dad was a fantastic writer and used his illness and experience to raise awareness through his poems, articles and stories. But his condition is not what defines his story. He lives on in his four daughters and his six beautiful grandchildren through the values he taught us. He lives on in the terrible jokes that will undoubtedly be inflicted on generations to come and in the music that continues to soundtrack our lives. We miss his advice, kindness and the encouragement he gave to us and so many people along the way.”

From Clapham Common to Brighton seafront

The sisters started from Clapham Common and cycled out of London, following predominantly quiet country lanes through Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead and Haywards Heath, before taking on the iconic Ditchling Beacon and finishing on Brighton seafront.

Hannah continued:

“We spent our lives wanting to make our dad proud. We still do. And his four daughters will continue trying to do exactly that — carrying with us his humour, his strength, his curiosity, his love of life and his determination to make a difference to help others.”

“Taking on the London to Brighton Cycle Ride to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK in his memory was so important. This one is for you, Dad!”

To read more about the sisters’ story and donate, visit: musculardystrophyuk.org/london2brighton

For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK visit musculardystrophyuk.org (external links will open in a new browser tab or window) or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm).

 

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Further reading and resources

Philip Anderson’s family very kindly gave us permission to carry on hosting the archive of his work, so you can continue to enjoy his warm and inspirational writing.

New funding for research from MDUK

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