Drink Tea for MND: IMNDA rolls out annual fundraiser in March

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is inviting people across Ireland to put the kettle on and host a tea party this March as part of its annual ‘Drink Tea for MND’ campaign, one of the charity’s biggest fundraising events of the year.

Supporters are encouraged to sign up at www.drinkteaformnd.ie and host a tea party, big or small, during March or any time that suits them.

Every cup shared will help raise vital funds to support more than 470 families in Ireland currently living with Motor Neurone Disease.

Lorraine and her husband Cormac

This year’s campaign ambassador is Lorraine Kelly Donnelly (51) from Garristown, North County Dublin, who was diagnosed with MND in July 2025.

Lorraine, a wife to Cormac and Mum to Simon (18) and Dylan (14), is sharing her story to encourage others to get involved.

Lorraine’s story:

“On the 30th of July 2025 our lives changed forever,” Lorraine said.

“Finding out that I had Motor Neurone Disease had a devastating effect on all of us.

“It was not the news we were expecting and there is still so much we don’t know about what lies ahead. But we are taking one day at a time.”

Lorraine describes the immense support she has received from both the IMNDA and from the MND team in Beaumont Hospital since her diagnosis.

“The support and guidance have been invaluable to me and my family.

“I am determined to keep living my life; going to rugby matches with my younger son, gigs with my older son and my sisters, and continuing to work.

“I will continue to fight MND for as long as I can.

“I have a lot to live for and I will never give up.”

Lorraine, who works in Supply Chain in the Biopharma sector, has also volunteered for clinical trials.

“If I can help in any small way to understand this illness more, and support even one person in the future, it will be worthwhile,” she said.

This year, the campaign is also shining a light on the vital role of IMNDA’s specialist neurology nurses, who provide expert care and practical support to families in their homes across Ireland.

Charlene, a specialist neurology nurse for the IMNDA supporting patients in Donegal and surrounding counties, sees firsthand the impact of community fundraising.

“Every day I travel to help care for people and families living with MND and I see exactly how much a cup of tea can really mean and the comfort it can bring.

“MND is a difficult, life-limiting disease, and it can all happen so fast. One day and one diagnosis, and everything changes.

“As nurses visiting people in their homes, we see the impact this has on families. But because of the public’s support, we can be there.

“That means providing regular home visits, care, and guidance when it’s needed most.”

Funds raised through Drink Tea for MND help ensure families across Ireland have access to specialist nursing care, practical supports, equipment, advocacy services and guidance at every stage of their journey.

How to get involved:
Hosting a Drink Tea for MND event is simple:

• Sign up at www.drinkteaformnd.ie
• Choose a date in March (or shortly after)
• Invite friends, family, neighbours or colleagues
• Put the kettle on, share some treats, and ask for a donation

Whether it’s a kitchen table gathering, a school bake sale, an office tea break, or a community event, every event makes a difference.

Lorraine sums up the impact of campaigns like this one: “If you’re thinking about hosting a tea party, please do it. Your support means families like mine don’t have to face this alone.”

To register or learn more, visit www.drinkteaformnd.ie.