Graham joined twenty young campaigners from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Trailblazers at the first meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Young Disabled People. The new APPG, which is open to all young people affected by disability, is being spearheaded by the Trailblazers, a fast-growing network of more than 300 young people with muscle-wasting diseases who are dedicated to tackling inequality and exclusion. Graham, who has a personal connection with muscle-wasting disease, has vowed to give his 'whole-hearted support' to Trailblazers and their campaign to have a voice for young disabled people in Parliament.
Judith Merry, a Trailblazers National Ambassador who has a muscle-wasting condition and uses a wheelchair, said 'The Trailblazers joined forces to identify the greatest barriers that young disabled people face both in everyday life and in achieving their goals. Together we have investigated the challenges faced by people in everything from finding a place at an accessible university and carving out a career with a disability, to being able to enjoy a night on the town with friends and finding budget airlines that will carry an electric-wheelchair.'
'Through these new regular meetings with MPs, we hope to play our part in finding solutions to some of these problems. It is great to have the support of Graham Evans, and to know that he is prepared to do all that he can to support us as a group.'
The new APPG will meet through the year and will run inquiries into issues from poor access to public transport to employment opportunities for disabled graduates. MPs will hear from young disabled people on their experiences, and from businesses, employers, universities, public services, charities and industry bodies on what is being done to put a stop to discrimination.
Graham who has given his full backing to the campaign said 'I give my full, whole-hearted backing to the young campaigners and what they are trying to achieve as part of this new parliamentary group. We need to work together towards tackling the uphill struggle that young disabled people face to achieve goals in life taken for granted by non-disabled peers. It is not right or fair that everything from accessing higher education and employment to using public transport and socialising with friends and family is still an uphill struggle for many.'
'There is much that can be done here in Weaver Vale, to put more consideration into our environment, our attitudes and our awareness, and I look forward to working closely with the Trailblazers towards moving this forward.'
Bobby Ancil, Project Manager of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Trailblazers said 'The first meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Young Disabled People is a landmark step forward for the Trailblazers and for all young disabled people who want to make their voices heard. We created this inquiry group in order to bring about positive change and that is exactly what we intend to do.'
The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading UK charity focusing on muscle disease. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for 50 years, and is dedicated to improving the lives of all people affected by muscle disease.
It funds world-class research to find effective treatments and cures; provides free practical and emotional support; campaigns to raise awareness and bring about change and awards grants towards the cost of specialist equipment.