Niamh Redmond – Wexford | MS Journeys
For Niamh Redmond from Wexford, World MS Day is an important opportunity to share real experiences, raise awareness and challenge misconceptions about multiple sclerosis.
“Living with MS isn’t always easy, but it has taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of focusing on my abilities instead of my disabilities.”
Niamh says World MS Day gives people living with MS the chance to share their lived experiences and educate others about a condition that is common, but still not widely understood.
“It also helps challenge misconceptions about MS and show that you could be interacting with someone every day who has MS without even realising it, because MS doesn’t look the same for everyone.”
Her diagnosis changed her perspective on life, helping her appreciate the small, everyday things she had once taken for granted.
“It has made me appreciate the small, everyday things that I once took for granted. Most of all, it has shown me how resilient and strong I can be when faced with challenges.”
For someone newly diagnosed, Niamh’s message is one of hope. She wants people to know that many people with MS continue to live full and active lives, and that support is there.
“Organisations like MS Ireland offer a wide range of meet-ups and support groups, including groups for young people. Meeting others can help you see that MS doesn’t have one particular ‘look.’ There are also more treatment options available than ever before.”
“It’s so important to have people in your corner who just get it.”
Family and community have played a huge role in her journey. Niamh says the support of her loved ones, along with the friendships she has found through MS Ireland and her local branch, have helped her feel less alone.
MS Ireland has also had a significant impact on her life, connecting her with other young people living with MS both in Ireland and across Europe. Through regular meet-ups in the South East, she has built lasting friendships and a strong support network.
For Niamh, being part of the wider MS community means having people around her who understand the realities of the condition without explanation.
As an active wheelchair user, Niamh says accessibility remains one of the biggest challenges she faces. She points out that many places describe themselves as accessible when the reality is far more limited, and that practical issues such as locating accessible toilets can make everyday outings more stressful and less spontaneous.
Despite those challenges, she focuses on what she can do. She credits her neurology team, her positive attitude and staying active with helping her manage physically and emotionally.
“Getting out and meeting other people living with MS can make such a difference.”
Niamh is proud of how much she has achieved. After leaving her first job as her MS progressed, she spent four years trying different treatments before eventually finding one that worked for her.
Since then, she has lost five stone, returned to education, gone back to work, become secretary of a local MS group, taken part in community projects and started travelling.
“I’m really proud that despite all the challenges MS has put in front of me, I’ve kept pushing forward and come out the other side stronger.”
Her message to others is simple: do not face MS alone. Building a community of like-minded people means having support from people who truly get it.
Niamh’s MS Diagnosis Journey
