Walk While You Can this October for Motor Neurone Disease
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association are calling on people to Walk While You Can this October for people with MND.
The Walk While You Can campaign began in 2019 and has raised over €864,000 in that period.
MND is a progressive, life-limiting neurological condition that affects neurons responsible for movement. People can lose the ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe independently.
Irish MND Association says that individuals, families, workplaces, schools, clubs and community groups can organise a walk on Saturday, October 17, or choose another date to help raise vital funds for the organisation.
The association is highlighting the story of Julie Kelly from Carlow. She was a ballroom dancer, musician, horse rider and motorcyclist before her MND diagnosis. The diagnosis has meant giving up many of the things she had enjoyed throughout her life.
Julie said: “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.
“My life changed big time in the blink 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 people living with MND.
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.”