Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association launches “40K Your Way in May” 

This May, the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) invites individuals, families, friends, and communities across the country to take part in “40K Your Way in May”—a nationwide challenge encouraging people to walk, jog, run, cycle or swim 40 kilometres in whatever way suits them best, all while raising vital funds for those living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Ireland. 

The 2025 campaign is a special one, marking 40 years of care provided by IMNDA to the MND community. Over the past four decades, IMNDA has supported thousands of families with specialist nursing care, essential equipment, and home support.

With over 85% of the organisation’s income coming from fundraising, campaigns like this are crucial to sustaining these life-enhancing services.

One of this year’s participants is 58-year old Catriona Dixon from Gorey, County Wexford, who is living with MND. Catriona, a former Clinical Nurse Manager and long-time Special Olympics coach, was diagnosed in December 2023.

Despite the challenges of her diagnosis, she remains active and engaged in her community—and is proudly taking on the 40K challenge this May.

“Though I’ve had to reduce some of my activities, I still remain active. Last year, I even fulfilled a lifelong dream by going inter-railing across Europe.

“But more importantly, I’ve been reconnecting—with my family, my friends, and my community.

“We regularly walk, talk, drink tea and connect. It really helps. I couldn’t have done that without the support and expertise of the IMNDA Nurses,” said Catriona.

By sharing her story, Catriona hopes to inspire others to join her and take part in the challenge.

“The support of the IMNDA is helping me come to terms with my diagnosis. It’s an ongoing loss, but I am making the best of it and keep hope as my mantra. I am doing this event in the hope to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.”

Registration is completely FREE, and all participants will receive a limited-edition “40K Your Way in May” cap and a kilometre tracker card to help them stay on course.

Every kilometre you cover—and every euro you raise—will directly support the IMNDA’s critical services, including:

• Six MND specialist nurses working nationwide

• Homecare hours for families

• Provision of vital medical equipment, from communication aids to wheelchairs

This May, the IMNDA is asking you to walk, run, cycle or swim together for those who can’t and show support for over 470 families in Ireland living with MND.

To register or find out more, visit https://40kyourway.ie/