Following on from the success of Fr. Tony Coote's phenomenal Walk While You Can campaign, and ahead of the  Phoenix Park walk in September, I am joining IMNDA’s Walk Where You Can Challenge in my own way by walking 230kms in May. This is the distance from home to the IMNDA office in Merchants Quay Dublin. I know first hand the support the IMNDA provides to families living with MND. 

Eugene remained at home throughout his MND journey because of the support we received from IMNDA and Eithne, the specialist nurse, who advised and encouraged us and she also liaised with local medical supports. IMNDA provided aids, specialist mattresses, a motorized wheelchair etc.The Association also provided support for me as his primary carer. Euge’s wheelchair gave him independence and the ability to wander out and about and see his garden and his farm animals. It allowed him to come shopping with me, and we could go out for a “roll and a stroll” together. 

Funds are needed  to get through what is now a very challenging time for people living with Motor Neurone Disease.It is imperative for us to stay together by staying apart. Now more than ever, our MND families across Ireland need to feel supported because being in isolation doesn't have to mean feeling isolated.80% of people with MND lose their speech but a communication aid like an iPad can become their voice. Supplying an iPad, with a specialised communication app, enables people with MND to continue to speak to the people they love as well as communicate with the outside world. Currently, we can't walk together but we are still in this together and together we can continue to make a difference.Hope starts with one step; change happens with many.Thank you