Irish company undertake epic climb to keep mum-of-two with MS on her feet

placeholder image — Sarah Irvine and her family

Sarah Irvine had her zest for life disrupted in 2019 with the diagnosis of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

A team of 20 from an Irish company are soon to climb the three peaks of Sliabh Donard, Croagh Patrick and the infamous Carrantuohill to raise funds to help keep a mother-of-two with multiple sclerosis (MS) out of a wheelchair.

Sarah Irvine, 46, is married to Gareth, and together they have two teenage daughters, Alice and Juliette. Sarah, noted as being a "fun-loving, outdoors person who loves water sports, particularly sea swimming," unfortunately had her zest for life disrupted in 2019 with the diagnosis of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). Since then, she has courageously battled the disease.

MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. Currently, there is no cure for MS, but some drugs can help slow the progression of the disease.

Now, an adventurous few from Galway-based VorTech Water Solutions, are hoping to climb to the highest point in Ireland in 24 hours including a night time climb of Croagh Patrick, all to raise money for Sarah who needs €180,000 to have stem cell therapy to hinder the advancement of her MS.

Sean Mulligan and Fergus Clifford

The team are pledging the final €80,000 required for Sarah to meet her target as her treatment is not covered by either the Government or by her medical insurer, leaving the fundraising to friends and the very generous Irish public.

The urgency of Sarah's situation prompted VorTech's intervention, facilitating her treatment booking at Guy's Hospital in London, scheduled to begin in April.

This treatment regimen involves chemotherapy to reset her immune system, followed by stem cell therapy, offering an 80% chance of arresting her MS symptoms.

Sean Mulligan, VorTech CEO said: “Our team are driven people, used to meeting challenges every day, this challenge is a tough one, but we will complete it. However it is nothing compared to the challenges someone with progressive MS faces. We must help where we can and be thankful for what we have.”

VorTech team out training

Irish company, VorTech Water Solutions are innovators in addressing some of the world’s leading water challenges through Aeration technology. Based in Mervue Business Park, Galway. Providing their technology around the world to allow companies be more sustainable, VorTech’s unique technology was developed at the University of Galway after several years of PhD and postdoctoral research into the fundamental scientific nature of vortex flows.

The challenge will take place on March 22, also known as World Water Day, made even more fitting as Sarah is an avid sea swimmer.

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