Microscope Ball

Client: Muscular Dystrophy UK

For four decades, a dedicated group of individuals from the commercial property sector have organised an annual fundraising event for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions. This impactful partnership reached new heights in 2024 when the consortium’s event raised over half a million pounds in one night.

What started as a breakfast fundraiser in the 1980s is now Muscular Dystrophy UK’s flagship fundraising event, with the Microscope Ball taking place every autumn. In September 2024, the 40th anniversary Microscope Ball brought together 740 members of the commercial property industry and raised £522k.

The consortium - the Microscope Ball Committee - was created in 1984 by someone who worked in the property industry and had a son who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. He set out to raise money to fund research into his son’s condition, calling on industry contacts for support. Around 30 people attended the first fundraiser (a breakfast) and this has grown to hundreds who now attend the ball. To date, the consortium’s work has raised over £8 million, helping Muscular Dystrophy UK to fund ground-breaking research into muscle wasting conditions.