Excitement builds over The May 50K challenge
Excitement is building at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland because next month, The May 50K officially begins!
The May 50K is a global fitness and fundraising challenge to raise money for MS research worldwide and also support MS Ireland projects and services. Thousands of people in Ireland have signed to take up in the month-long challenge. Full details are available here.
There are over 9,000 people in Ireland living with multiple sclerosis, and it’s the mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland to leave MS where it belongs – behind us.
So this year, MS Ireland has teamed up with the MS International Federation for The May 50K, in which you can walk or run 50 kilometres during the month whilst fundraising for life-changing research into the disease.
Wherever you live and whatever your fitness level, you can decide when and where you will complete your 50 kilometres. Every step you take, every kilometre you clock, helps people get access to the treatment they need today and takes us closer to finding a cure for MS. You can do it by yourself or as part of a virtual team with friends, family or work colleagues.
As a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge, it can be completed anywhere – on your own in your local area or even in your home. It’s important that everyone stays fit and healthy during this time so sign up now and help raise funds for MS Ireland and the MS International Federation.
Grainne Rouleau, who has been living with MS since 2008, said: “I'm living in Prosperous, Co. Kildare, with my husband and my four-year-old girl, but more importantly from I'm from Mayo!
“I was diagnosed with MS in December 2008. I have taken part in many fundraising events for MS Ireland. I raised money by hiking in Thailand in 2011, the Beara Peninsula, Cork, in 2012, Romania in 2013, I climbed Kilimanjaro 2015, then went to Everest base camp in 2018. I did a skydive in 2012 also, but this year I am looking forward to the challenge of The May 50k.”
Multiple Sclerosis (meaning ‘many scars’) is the most common debilitating neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland. It affects the motor, sensory and cognitive functioning of the body and is usually diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age.
The impact of MS on individuals, their families and the community can undermine the resilience that is needed for individuals to remain purposeful and in control of their lives. Three times more women than men are diagnosed with MS. There is no cause or cure.
Among other services, MS Ireland uses the funds raised to provide vital services that reduce the impact of MS including physiotherapy, general support services, and newly diagnosed seminars.