A LIMERICK woman and global ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation is going the extra mile (or extra 31 miles) this May by taking part in MS Ireland’s May 50k challenge.
Aoife Potter-Cogan has already raised over €3,000 of her €5,000 goal, and having completed more than 14 kilometres of her challenge in the first week of the month.
Aoife kicked off her challenge as she means to go on, taking on the 10k route of the Great Limerick Run.
The purpose of the MS May 50k is to fundraise and inform about the challenges of MS, Aoife explained.
“MS is a disease that affects people in a huge variety of ways. 50km walking would be a simple thing for many people, but with MS many people struggle to do simple tasks or might be able to walk a mile today then suffer with fatigue tomorrow,” she said.
“It’s important that people are informed about the broad and varied challenges of the disease.”
The Limerick woman is also a proud advocate and ambassador for the MS Mid West Limerick Centre, which is set to open in Limerick later this year.
The centre has been described as a significant milestone for people living with MS across the region and will be the first centre of its kind in Ireland.
Located on the Blood Mill Road, the centre represents a “massive leap forward in holistic patient care” and will include a fully-adapted gym designed to safely accommodate people living with physical challenges.
It will also facilitate specialised therapists, state-of-the-art equipment, and dedicated community support workers all under one roof, with the aim of establishing Limerick as a national pioneer in comprehensive MS care and support.
The development, announced by MS Ireland, will provide support for people living with MS across Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary.
The vision for the centre is to create a welcoming and inclusive community space where people can access vital supports and services to help them better manage their condition. Users will benefit from physiotherapist-led group exercise sessions aimed at improving mobility, strength, and overall physical health. In addition, a range of symptom management programmes, educational seminars, and information sessions will be offered to support people to navigate the daily challenges of living with MS.
Support and donations towards Aoife’s 50k efforts can be shared on themay50k.ie/fundraisers/aoifepotter-cogan.