Mayo readers urged to lend their support to MS Readathon

A mother living with multiple sclerosis insists there should be more awareness of hidden disabilities so that people in Mayo with conditions like hers do not feel stigmatised.

Louise Power, a mother of two, was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago following the birth of her second child, though her symptoms began years earlier.

Now she is encouraging families, schools, book clubs, workplaces and groups of all ages across Mayo to get on board and support the MS Readathon, which runs from November 1 to December 15.

Readers across the county collectively raised €2,725 in 2024, with Scoil Náisiúnta an Teaghlaigh Naofa, Louisburgh, taking the top spot with their incredible fundraising total of €652.

Fatigue, pain and muscle weakness as well as muscle spasms and brain fog are among the symptoms Ms. Power experiences, and on some days she needs a walking aid for mobility.

“I participated in the MS Readathon in school in the early '90s. I had no idea what MS was at the time, but I was really driven by the idea that my reading and raising money would help someone else out there,” she said.

She added that while her condition is debilitating and impacts many aspects of her life, by linking in with a community worker from MS Ireland, engaging with physiotherapy services and talking to other people living with it, her quality of life improved.

“The services were a game-changer and made me feel like I’m not on my own. For me, it was like a hug I didn’t know I needed,” said the Mayo-based mum.

“If you are newly diagnosed, no matter what age you are, a simple conversation with someone walking the same path means you can breathe that little bit easier.

“I owe a lot to MS Ireland in terms of the support they give me and the awareness they spread about the illness – everything from physiotherapy and community groups to simple guides to help kids understand MS, helping make life a little easier.”

One of Ireland’s longest-running charity events, the MS Readathon has inspired a love of reading among young people across the country for the past 39 years.

After registering at msreadathon.ie, participants are encouraged to read as many books as possible between November 1 and December 15 while seeking sponsorship from family and friends.

These funds help support over 11,000 people living with MS and their families, according to MS chief executive,Ava Battles.

“We are looking for schools throughout Ireland to sign up for MS Readathon and use our support materials to set reading challenges for pupils that will inspire their imaginations and create a positive habit that can last a lifetime,” she said.

“And it’s not just schools that share the joy of the MS Readathon – families, book clubs, workplaces and groups of all ages will be helping us to raise vital funds for essential services for the MS community in Ireland.”

For more information on how to register, go to www.msreadathon.ie.