Family living with FSHD to play key ‘race starter’ role at Bidwells Oxford 10k

Thousands of runners have already signed up to take part in the 2026 Bidwells Oxford 10k on Sunday 10 May. The event, now in its 44th year, is expected to be our biggest to date, with 7,500 runners participating in the 3k junior and 10k adult races.

Meet our race starters

This year, we’re delighted to announce that the event will be officially started by the Blackmore family. Leanne Blackmore, mother-to-two, Evie, 15, and Martha, 11, all live with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). After Evie completed the 3k race in 2025, the family are delighted to be back as official race starters.

Receiving that lifechanging diagnosis

Leanne opens up about living with the life changing condition and said: “I often think of us as three different boats in the same sea; the condition has progressed very differently for all of us. Compared to the girls, my progression has been slower, and I can’t shake the guilt I feel for them. At 43 years old, I’m still ambulant, whereas Evie and Martha are both powered wheelchair users.

“My diagnosis was also very different compared to my girls. Constant tests, scans, and even a muscle biopsy to finally reveal a diagnosis of FSHD at 12. Becoming a mother, I knew what symptoms to look out for, so for the girls, the diagnosis came much quicker – Evie at seven and Martha aged four.

“It’s been a long, hard journey for all of us, each in our own way. I can’t change our diagnosis. What I can do is support my girls and act as their voice in this challenging world we live in.”

Looking forward to the race day 

Leanne and the girls are looking forward to the big day saying: “The support we’ve received from Muscular Dystrophy UK and the neuromuscular team at the John Radcliffe Hospital over the years has been incredible. It just highlights that no-one should have to face this journey alone. So, to open this year’s race is a true honour and the girls are beyond excited.”

To sign up for the Bidwells Oxford 10k, visit musculardystrophyuk.org/oxford

For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm).

Check out the Muscular Dystrophy UK Bidwells Town and Gown 10K RIA Member profile here  .