Together for Short Lives chief executive Andy Fletcher is leaving to lead Muscular Dystrophy UK.

He joins the health charity from the children’s palliative care non-profit in November.

At Muscular Dystrophy UK he replaces Cat Woodwood, who is leaving after eight years at the charity.

Fletcher joined Together for Short Lives six years ago and had previously been its director of external affairs. He has also been CEO at Gloucestershire based community hospice care provider Longfield.

“Andy brings a wealth of experience in advocacy and strategic development at a charity that supports families, healthcare professionals and services, and has proven to be an exceptional leader who is aligned to our culture and values,” said Muscular Dystrophy UK chair Mike Hanna.

“We look forward to working with Andy and believe that he is the best person to build on the success of our outgoing chief executive, work with our committed staff and lead us into the future, ensuring we do the best for the muscle wasting and weakening community.”

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve appointed Andy Fletcher as our new Chief Executive. Andy joins from Together for Short Lives, the UK charity for children’s palliative care, where he is currently Chief Executive.

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— Muscular Dystrophy UK (@MDUK_News) August 15, 2024

Prior to Fletcher joining, Muscular Dystrophy UK’s chief operating officer Wojtek Trzcinski will act as interim CEO.

Fletcher added: “Having worked with children with forms of muscular dystrophy for many years, I understand that living with a muscle wasting condition can be exhausting, stressful and lonely.

“It has never been more important that the charity is here to support this community to live well. I am looking forward to joining the team.”

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