Limerick children and adults encouraged to take part in 2022 MS Readathon

MS Readathon is entering its 35^th year of promoting reading nationwide to raise funds for MS Ireland this November.

MS Ireland advocates for and supports those that suffer from the debilitating disease

By I Love Limerick correspondent Stella Gordon

Reading-fanatics in Limerick are being encouraged to take part in a month-long reading challenge in aid of MS Ireland this November. The MS Readathon is an annual event that takes place every November, to encourage children all over Ireland to read and improve their literacy skills, whilst fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Ireland.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

MS Ireland advocates for and supports those that suffer the debilitating disease, along with conducting research and providing support and information to their families. Multiple Sclerosis is a condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The CNS controls the motor, sensory and cognitive functioning of the body by processing and transmitting messages through a network of nerves. With MS, the body begins to attack its healthy cells, and it causes the messages being sent by the CNS to slow down or become blocked. MS Ireland runs the only care centre in the country for those suffering with the disease. The dedicated respite centre allows residents to learn more about MS and how to manage their condition. The centre also offers respite to people with other neurological conditions as a place of rest, relaxation, and social activities.

Limerick schoolchildren and adults are being motivated by the charity to take part for their 35^th year. In 2020, Form 1 students at Coláiste Chiaráin read 55 books between them and raised €1733 for the charity.

MS Ireland fundraises in many different ways; however, the most popular event is the MS Readathon. The 2022 Readathon is the 35^th MS Readathon to take place, and adults are being encouraged to take part this year also. Over 18s can join the ‘Grown Up’ MS Readathon Facebook group HERE, where you can register for your free Readathon pack.

Ava Battles, Chief Executive of MS Ireland said, “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 9,000 people in Ireland living with MS and their families. Their efforts have been greatly appreciated and as each annual MS Readathon comes around, we want to acknowledge this.”

Maggie Green, who was diagnosed with MS almost four years ago said, “I’m really proud that my children want to raise funds for such an incredible organisation and I hope many other families will sign up for Readathon, to be part of raising vital funds for the services that help me and so many others living with MS.”

Find out more information about registering for the MS Readathon 

Read more related stories