Mayo man helps bring MS to the big screen

This World MS Day, a powerful new campaign is set to light up cinema screens across Ireland, bringing vital awareness of multiple sclerosis (MS) to a wider audience.

MS Ireland plan to launch this nationwide initiative tomorrow (Friday, May 30 – World MS Day), featuring a compelling 30-second advert designed to highlight the journey to diagnosis for people living with MS.

The campaign will run for six weeks, reaching audiences in major cinema chains such as Odeon, IMC and Omniplex, as well as independent cinemas, covering a total of 83 locations nationwide.

The advert offers a portrayal of the everyday realities of living with MS, aiming to promote understanding and connection.

The campaign also shines a light on the personal experiences of individuals living with MS, sharing their stories to offer an authentic perspective on the condition.

Andy Walsh, from Ballinrobe, is the face of MS Ireland’s campaign for World MS Day. He said: “You hear stories about people’s lives changing in an instant – in books, on TV and in the news. But until it actually happens to you, they’re just that – stories. They’re people you can offer sympathy to in passing and feel a little bit glad, deep down, that it’s them and not you. Multiple Sclerosis came out of nowhere and completely changed my life.”

Andy was busy. When he wasn’t involved with motorsport events up and down the country he was coaching underage GAA and soccer with his local clubs, but a diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS changed all that in March 2020.

Looking back, Andy uses the phrase 'mixed blessing' to describe his Multiple Sclerosis. It has changed and improved his lifestyle since his diagnosis and he counts himself lucky to be able reframe the priorities in his life.

Ava Battles, CEO of MS Ireland, stated: “World MS Day is a powerful reminder of the journey faced by over 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland. This year's theme, 'Diagnosis', underscores a critical and deeply emotional milestone for many.”

Viewers are encouraged to visit the MS Ireland website at www.ms-society.ie to learn more about MS and how they can support the MS community.

This campaign was funded by a sponsorship from Novartis Ireland, who had no input to the content or design.