Mini Trekkers in Call for MS Ireland

Mini Trekkers Fionnán and Oisin Farley-Nolan

MS Ireland, the services, information and research Society supporting people affected by MS, today called for walkers across the country to join their upcoming Cuban adventure which will take place November 21st to December 3rd this year.

MS Walks have been going for 22 years, the longest running charity walks in Ireland, with more than 150 people walking in various countries each year. The MS Walks are not only an opportunity to raise money for charity but they are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, get fit and set a personal challenge. Imagine the sense of achievement at finishing a walk while helping to fund services for those affected by MS?

The fundraising target for the Cuba Walk is €4950. This sponsorship covers all flights, accommodation in twin-bedded rooms in small hotels, dinner, and packed lunch on walking days.  Each year, MS Ireland has to raise more than €5 million to make up for the shortfall in government grants to support people with MS and those affected by the condition including families and carers. Funds raised by walkers account for almost one-fifth of this and are crucial to maintain vital services such as individual and family support, respite, counselling and a variety of living with MS programmes for people with MS, carers and family members.

Cathryn O’Leary of the Walks and Challenges Department, MS Ireland commented: “The success of MS Ireland Walks is down to the brilliant network of walkers coupled with support from our expert staff, in addition to support in training programmes where trekkers are looked after by both the Team Co-ordinator and a Tour Leader. Group walks around Ireland are organised to prepare walkers for the big event. The treks are for any relatively healthy person, regardless of fitness.  Indeed many people with MS take part in our walks.”

She continued: “The best way to see Cuba is on foot, with its wealth of beautiful hills, valleys and unique landscapes. We will trek in the beautiful, rolling terrain famous for its waterfalls and leading down to Cuba’s legendary beaches.”

To sign up for the Cuba Walk in aid of MS Ireland please contact Cathryn or Vivienne:

Tel:  01 678 1600

Email: walks@ms-society.ie

Sign up for Cuba

A deposit of €300 is required along with the completed application form.

Over 8,000 people have MS in Ireland, with thousands more family members affected.  It is estimated that over 2 million people live with MS worldwide. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease and is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young people in Ireland. MS can be a physically disabling condition but it can also affect the social, financial and emotional well-being of the person with MS.