Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association asks people in Mayo to take part in fundraiser
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is reminding people that October is ‘Walk While You Can’ month for people with MND.
Now in its eighth year, the annual campaign has raised more than €864,000 since 2019. This year, the IMNDA hopes communities across the country will build on that support and help take the campaign’s total fundraising beyond €1 million.
Individuals, families, workplaces, schools, clubs and community groups in Mayo can organise a walk on Saturday, October 17 or choose another date during October and help raise vital funds that will in turn help the organisation provide the necessary supports for people living with MND and their loved ones. Further information is available here.
Julie’s Story
Julie Kelly from Carlow was a competitive ballroom dancer, musician, horse rider and motorcyclist before her MND diagnosis in June 2025. She first noticed a problem while preparing for a major dance competition, when her ankle suddenly became weak. Following scans, tests and physiotherapy, her mobility continued to deteriorate. She went from using a walking stick to a frame and now relies on a wheelchair. The diagnosis also meant giving up many of the activities she had enjoyed throughout her life.
“My whole life had come to a stop. My hobbies were all hit in the head; dancing, horses, motorbikes and playing drums and singing in our family band,” Julie said.
“My life changed big time in the wink of an eye. So, I said, ‘Julie, you either cry or fight.’ So, fighting I’ve been doing. I get out and act myself. I will not let it define me. I am stronger than it and I will fight on.”
Julie is now encouraging people to take part in ‘Walk While You Can’ and help raise funds for the services and equipment that people living with MND and their families rely on.
Motor Neuron Disease is a progressive, life-limiting neurological condition that affects the motor neurones responsible for controlling movement. As the disease progresses, people can lose the ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe independently. The rate of progression varies, but support and specialist equipment can be needed quickly.
Funds raised through ‘Walk While You Can’ help the IMNDA provide specialist nursing care, counselling and essential equipment for people living with MND.
This includes customised electric wheelchairs and Eye-Gaze communication technology, which can enable people who have lost their ability to speak to communicate with family, friends and carers.
The IMNDA also supports research into MND, with the aim of improving understanding of the disease, developing better treatments and ultimately finding a cure.
Kevin Burn, CEO of the IMNDA, said: “Every euro raised through ‘Walk While You Can’ helps us provide vital support to people living with MND and their families, including specialist nursing care, counselling and essential equipment.
“More than €864,000 has been raised through this campaign since 2019, but the need for our services continues. This year, we hope people across Ireland will help us take that total beyond €1 million.
“A walk can be as simple as getting together with family, friends, colleagues or your local community. Every event, large or small, helps us continue to support families living with MND.”
People in Mayo who would like to register for ‘Walk While You Can’ are asked to visit here.