University of Galway lecturer assists with the launch of the 36th Multiple Sclerosis Readathon
MS Ireland launches the famous MS Readathon, Ireland’s oldest fundraiser, which returns for its 36th year at the National Print Museum. Pic: Marc O'Sullivan
By Caoimhe Looney
The Multiple Sclerosis Readathon is back for it’s 36th year. It is set to take place over the month of November.
The readathon is a yearly initiative held by MS Ireland seeking to raise awareness and funding for vital services.
During the event, MS Ireland calls on readers nationwide to get sponsored to read as many books as possible. The campaign usually targets school children, but is requesting people both young and old to get involved.
Multiple Sclerosis is the most common debilitating neurological condition that’s affecting young people in Ireland. There are approximately 10,000 people in Ireland living with the condition.
Ciara’s Story:
Ciara O’Meara, a General Nursing lecturer in the University of Galway, is an ambassador this year for the Readathon.
Ciara has been living with MS for the past 15 years.
In describing why she chose to be an ambassador for this campaign, Ciara said, “I can vividly remember the excitement that surrounded the arrival of the MS Readathon posters and cards to my primary school. The MS Readathon provides an opportunity for us to sit with the magic of books, and who doesn’t need some magic in their lives.”
“That little child had no idea what a full circle the MS Readathon would become within her life. The sponsorship she so eagerly sought from family and friends to read the most books within the classroom, would be put towards services and supports that she would need to avail of later in her own life.”
“Through reading there is hope, and through the MS Readathon there comes hope for better services, better resources and an eventual cure for people living with MS. That is why I am so delighted to be taking part in the ‘Grown Up Readathon’ this year.”
Significance of the Readathon:
Ava Battles, Chief Executive of MS Ireland said, “For many children, the MS Readathon is the first time that they connect with books and literature and develop a lifelong love of reading. The MS Readathon is so important to MS Ireland and the MS community. It is our biggest fundraising campaign, and we simply cannot keep our services running without it.
“We look forward to children, parents, teachers, and readers of all ages getting stuck into thousands of books throughout the month of November and supporting the 10,000 people in Ireland living with MS and their families.”
MS Ireland is the national organisation for providing information, and services for the MS community.
More than two-thirds of the 9,000 people living with MS in Ireland access these resources. If you wish to find out more or get involved go to https://www.msreadathon.ie/.
