MS Ireland calls on people in Kildare to take part in May 50k challenge 2023

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Ireland is calling on people throughout County Kildare to take part in its May 50k challenge.

The premise is simple: walk, roll or run 50 kilometres during the month of May in return for sponsorship.

The May 50K is a global fitness and fundraising challenge to raise money for MS research worldwide, and to also support MS Ireland's projects and services in the run up to World MS Day on May 30. 

Dublin resident Lyndsey O’Driscoll is taking part in the challenge in May.

Explaining her motivation for doing so, she said: "I am walking the MS May 50k in memory of my dad, Thomas Darby: he passed away in March 2005 after living with MS for almost 16 years.

"He was a wonderful character and loved life so much, so his year, on his anniversary and I thought I would personally challenge myself to walk 150 kilomdtfdx, in his name, to raise awareness of all the wonderful work the MS Society of Ireland do, while also helping to raise some funds for much needed research."

Speaking of the upcoming challenge, MS Ireland's CEO Ava Battles added: "Not only will taking part in this challenge help support the vital services provided by MS Ireland, but from a health viewpoint it will also really benefit those taking part.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the May 50K Challenge by registering on their website https://www.themay50k.ie.

She continued: "There are over 9,000 people in Ireland living with multiple sclerosis.

"Every step you take, every kilometre you clock, helps people get access to the treatment they need today and takes us closer to finding a cure for MS.

"30 per cent of all funds raised go towards funding life-changing MS Research and 70% goes to local services and supports in Ireland."

People can take part on their own, create a family team or get their workplace involved: the challenge is a virtual event and can be done anywhere. 

All fundraising is done through the May 50K challenge website, where people can log their kilometres’s, hook up to their fitness devices, and blog their way through the month.