More Adventure Treks

Bootcamp Ireland Founder Lorraine Ho and Mini Trekkers

MS Ireland together with Lorraine Ho, Bootcamp Ireland today called on people in Ireland to put fun and fitness on the calendar this year with the announcement of two more adventure treks as part of its exciting 2011 MS Walks programme. The Italy walk will wind along the mountain trails and villa gardens of magnificent Lake Como running from September 10th to 17th.  While the Thailand walk invites people to explore the highlands of Northern Thailand near Chiang Mai, renowned for its vibrant village culture and forested hills between November 5th and 17th.

MS Ireland is the services, information and research Society supporting people affected by MS. For the 23rd year of MS Walks, the longest running charity walks in Ireland, the society has conducted its first annual MS Walks Survey. More than 150 people sign up and trek in various countries each year.

The MS Walks survey found that 87 per cent of adults make a conscious effort to look after their health and well-being with regular exercise. 51 per cent claimed to exercise three times a week with one third exercising more than that.

Walking was most popular for 86 per cent but fitness regimes also involved running for 15 per cent, the gym for 27 per cent and weights training for 18 per cent. According to the MS Walks Survey, most common excuses for not exercising were: ‘too tired’ (73 per cent); too busy (27 per cent); family/friend commitments (24 per cent); and work commitments (15 per cent).

Lorraine Ho, Founder of Bootcamp Ireland and ambassador for MS Walks said: “It’s so easy to come up with excuses for not exercising, but more often than not, when you are out in the fresh air and walking, you feel so much better for it. These MS walks are a fantastic way to for people to get moving, meet new people and perhaps take on 'walking' or 'hiking' as a new activity! It appeals to most as it's for all fitness levels and ages, and the general benefits of exercise, such as; healthy lifestyle, better sleep, improved concentration & self esteem, reduced stress levels and overall better well being, will give way to a new and improved you. Not only do these walks take in some of the most beautiful scenery and landscape around the world but you are also walking for a great charity.”

Each year, MS Ireland has to raise more than €5 million to make up for the shortfall in government grants. Funds raised by walkers account for almost one-fifth of this, maintaining vital services such as individual and family support, therapies, rehabilitation, respite and a variety of living with MS programmes for people with MS, carers and family members.

Elle Caffrey of the Walks and Challenges Department, MS Ireland commented: “Every year we aim to run three exciting treks for those who seek a mix of fun, fitness and adventure. The MS Walks suit any level of fitness so are open to all.”

To sign up for the Italy or Thailand walk in aid of MS Ireland please contact Elle or Vivienne:

Tel:  01 678 1600

Email:  walks@ms-society.ie