National Press Release

MOVE IT,LIVE IT, BEAT IT!!

Irish Celebrities Announce World MS Day

Global Drumming Event to Raise Awareness of Multiple Sclerosis

Dublin, Ireland, 10th May 2010. Sarah Jane Wai O’Flynn of The Dirty Epics, Tom Dunne of The Spikes, and singer/songwriter Simon Fagantogether with kids from Giraffe IFSC joined Multiple Sclerosis Irelandtoday to announced details of a global drumming event which will take place on Wednesday 26th Mayas part of World MS Day.The drumming will officially begin at 1pm on Grafton Street, Dublin city centre, with all encouraged to join with MS Ireland to ‘Move It, Live It, Beat It!’ Other Irish activities to mark World MS Day include a nationwide bucket collection; a seminar on MS treatments and research; an employer pledge; and a number of local social and information events.

Funds raised on World MS Day will support one ofMS Ireland’s key initiatives for people living with MS, Getting the Balance Right,a physiotherapy and exercise programme. The programme has been proven to greatly minimise the impact of MS as it can maintain or improve flexibility, walking distances and levels of fatigue, and reduce the risk of falls. This can have a significant impact on the quality of life for a person and family living with MS, as people are better able to remain in employment, look after their families and live a full life. Funds are urgently needed to ensure the continuation of this much needed service.

Anne Winslow, Chief Executive, MS Ireland said: “World MS Day is fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of MS around Ireland and the rest of the world. We are encouraging all our members, friends, supporters and the public to ‘Move It! Live It! Beat It!’, for MS Ireland this May 26th.”

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 Ireland is the services, information and research society providing vital support to people affected by MS locally, regionally and nationally. World MS Day aims to raise awareness of the condition and mobilise the global movement in the fight against MS. In 2009, the first year of World MS Day, over 200 activities took place in 67 countries around the world.

Live It, Move It, Beat It!

MS Ireland is helping people to Live positively with MS in whatever way they can. The information line, one-to-one supports, voluntary Branches, respite care, counselling and other services can help people accept, live and manage their MS.

People are also encouraged to Move. MS Ireland research has shown that physiotherapy and exercise can improve the health and quality of life for people with MS, regardless of their ability.

Along with the global community MS Ireland aims to Beat MS and fund research that will help to provide better treatments and interventions and one day find a cure.

Get Involved Today:

  • Take part in the international survey on employment
  • Volunteer in our Bucket collection or do your own fundraising event, big or small. Proceeds will be spent locally on our Getting The Balance Right programme, a physiotherapy and exercise programme for people with MS.
  • Attend our Pringle Lecture on new treatments and research in MS. This is a free event in Dublin but tickets must be booked. (The lecture will be recorded and available online after World MS Day.)
  • Attend Beat It, our national drumming event on Grafton Street at 1pm on 26th May, World MS Day.
  • Become a spokesperson and tell your story in the local community

For more information on World MS Day, visit our website on email , call your local regional office or call 01 678 1600.

MS Ireland acknowledges the kind support of Bayer Healthcare, who are supporting World MS Day in Ireland.

Join the Global Community. End MS!

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About Multiple Sclerosis:

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological condition in Ireland and affects over 8,000 Irish adults and the many thousands of people that share their lives. MS is a disease that affects the motor, sensory and cognitive functioning of the body. The variance in presence, severity and duration of symptoms coupled with the intermittent and progressive nature of MS impacts not only the person with MS but also family.

MS Ireland is the only national organisation providing information and support to the whole MS community. We provide a range of services and resources such as individual and family support; living with MS programmes; national helpline 1850 233 233; respite care centre; and a range of information booklets and resources.

Members of the public with any queries relating to MS should call the MS Information Line 1850 233 233. Open Mondy to Friday 10am – 2pm. All calls are strictly confidential.

About Getting the Balance Right:

Getting the Balance Right is MS Ireland’s Nationwide Exercise, Health Promotion and Research Programme for people with Multiple Sclerosis.This programme offers a range of opportunities for people with MS to take part in physiotherapy and exercise programmes which aim to improve strength and mobility and reduce the impact of fatigue and MS symptoms. It is available across the country in a variety of venues and settings. The programme, the first of its kind for the Society, is primarily an opportunity for people with MS to participate in monitored and guided exercises with greater frequency and intensity. New participants will be assessed bya CharteredPhysiotherapist andfacilitated in an appropriate exercise programme suited to their needs and abilities.

For further information please contact:

Cathy Riordan / Jamie Good

PR Wise

Tel: 087 41824244 / 087 9408028