Local mum steps it out for MS event

WORLD MS Day 2016 will take place on Wednesday, May 25. Those living with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland are asking people to walk, run, dance or move 9,000 steps for MS (6.5k) and raise funds for vital services. 

Mum-of-three Olivia Kirwan (36), from Balbriggan, was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS at the age of 29. Olivia is representing the MS community for this year’s World MS Day. MS Ireland, the national organisation providing vital services, information and support to people with the condition is encouraging all to get involved through its website www.ms-society.ie and to text STEPS to 50300 to donate €4. 

More than 9,000 people in Ireland are living with Multiple Sclerosis with thousands more affected as family members. 

On May 25 in Dublin, MS Ireland will run a ‘9,000 Steps for MS’ treadmill challenge at Basecamp Outdoor Store, Middle Abbey Street from 8am until 8pm. 

Lorraine Ho, Bootcamp Ireland, will host 9,000 steps bootcamp style at the store at 1pm. Individuals or groups may sign up on www.ms-society.ie or contact Sam, samanthal@ms-society.ie 

Chief executive of MS Ireland, Ava Battles, said when World MS Day comes around each May it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and support people with MS locally. 

“We’re delighted to launch the fundraising campaign ‘9,000 Steps for MS’ to mark World MS Day,” she said.  

“We know that exercise has great benefits for people with MS; it helps manage symptoms and of course, exercise helps all of us. 

“This campaign reflects a community of more than 9,000 people with MS and encourages everyone to get involved in whatever way they can.”

The variance in presence, severity and duration of MS symptoms, coupled with the intermittent and progressive nature of MS, impacts not only the person with MS but also family. 

Symptoms include impaired mobility, severe fatigue, cognitive difficulties, affecting decisions around employment and family life. 

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological condition of young adults in Ireland, most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. 

Three times more women than men are diagnosed with MS. There is currently no known cause or cure for the condition.

Funds raised will directly help in services provision locally, in particular, physiotherapy, counselling, the MS Nurse resource and respite at the national MS Care Centre.

•100 per cent of your donation goes to Multiple Sclerosis Ireland across most network operators. Some operators apply VAT which means that a minimum of €3.25 will go to Multiple Sclerosis Ireland.