Mayo native asks people to sign up for the MS Ireland May 50K fitness challenge
Mayo native and MS Ireland senior fundraiser Shane Bennett, from Castlebar, helped launch the May 50K fitness challenge at the MS Ireland Care Centre in Dublin – Ireland’s only national respite centre for people with MS.
MS Ireland is calling on participants of all ages and abilities to take up the month-long challenge in May in the run up to World MS Day on May 30.
The May 50K is a global fitness and fundraising challenge to raise money for multiple sclerosis research worldwide and help fund a variety of different information, support, advocacy and services on a national and regional level, including the national MS Care Centre.
The premise is simple: walk, roll or run 50 kilometres during the month of May in return for sponsorship. Take part on your own, create a family team or get your workplace involved. It’s a virtual event and can be done anywhere. Clock those kilometres on the way into work, around your garden, in the supermarket or around the office, as it all counts.
Commenting on the upcoming challenge, Shane said: “I’m managing and taking part in the May 50k this year. I’m building a team of friends and family from Mayo to take part with me. The interest is growing, and my close circle wants to make a difference in supporting MS Ireland on a national, regional and local level. I encourage you to take part too with a team to help support people living with MS.”
Shane continued: “I’m 28 years old and I was diagnosed with Relapse-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis seven years ago, when I was 21 and studying in Galway. Upon diagnosis, I felt very much robbed of my future and to take back some control over my youth, I moved to Amsterdam six years ago.
“During my time in Holland my MS grew and I found myself in a difficult journey to tame my MS. Luckily for me, a move to the right medication transformed my life. Once I felt in control of my MS, my life flourished – so much so, I felt a calling to move home and pursue a career with MS Ireland.
“At MS Ireland, we are working to support every person with MS in Ireland. By taking part in this challenge, you will make a real impact on the lives of people with MS from all over Ireland.
“Not only will taking part in this challenge help support the vital services provided by MS Ireland, but from a health viewpoint it will also really benefit those taking part.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the May 50K Challenge by registering on our website, www.themay50k.ie.
“There are over 10,000 people in Ireland living with multiple sclerosis. Every step you take, every kilometre you clock, helps people get access to the treatment they need today and provide vital funding for international research into MS. Thirty per cent of all funds raised go towards funding life-changing MS research and 70% goes to local services and supports in Ireland.”
All fundraising is done through the website (www.themay50k.ie), where people can log their kilometres, hook up to their fitness devices and blog their way through the month.