Jon Richardson raises charity funds after bonding over football

A man with a muscle-wasting condition is reuniting with a famous comedian who he bonded with over their love of the same football team.

Martin Hywood, 50, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 23 years old and met comedian Jon Richardson at a Leeds United match.

They bonded over their love of the club and went on to fundraise together. Richardson described Mr Hywood as “absolutely remarkable”.

The duo have organised a fundraising night of comedy at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 11 October.

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder which usually affects young males, resulting in progressive muscle degeneration.

Mr Hywood lost his ability to walk in 2020 and has become a full-time wheelchair user.

He was hired by Muscular Dystrophy UK in 2021 and helps to 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 from the night of comedy.

Other comedians including Kojo Amin, Matt Forde, Suzi Ruffell and Tim Vine are also due to perform.

Talking to the BBC ahead of the show, Mr Hywood said: “I am extremely nervous, I feel responsible for the event.”

Mr Richardson said: “Martin is absolutely remarkable”.

“Martin deals with the theatre and does all the hard work.

“I just bring in a few comics and then take all the glory on the night.”

Mr Hywood said it was important to raise money to tackle muscular dystrophy, which also affects his brother, who is two years older than him.

“We know there might not be a treatment for me and my brother but I want to help children moving forward,” he said.