Julia Windle, a long-time campaigner for the causes of those with inherited diseases, has received a People of the Year Award in recognition of her contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Society over the past two decades.
Born in Galway, Ms Windle became involved with the society when her son Mark contracted Duchene muscular dystrophy. He died in 1980, aged 17. Described as one of the cruellest diseases, muscular dystrophy involves the loss of movement and the wasting of muscles, which can extend to complete immobilisation in the teenage years.
Ms Windle has been instrumental in setting up support for those affected by the disease, such as home-based respite care, counselling, holidays and exchange projects. She was also involved in setting up the Inherited Disorders Organisation, which was campaigned for the introduction of genetic counselling services in Ireland.
She is chairwoman of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. In addition to that work, she is honorary secretary of the Inherited Disorders Organisation and secretary general of the European Alliance of Muscular Dystrophy Associations.
She is married to Judge Desmond Windle and they have three children.
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