Galway branch of Irish Motor Neurone Association to be launched in Loughrea
By Mary O’connor
The Galway Branch of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, which will be officially launched on Wednesday next in Loughrea, aims to heighten awareness of the condition.
The organisation is also keen to reach out to people who have lost a loved one or been affected by this debilitating and terminal disease and plans to organise fundraising events to raise funds for local sufferers.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is indiscriminate in whom it affects, patients have been diagnosed as young as 17 years, explains a spokesperson for the organisation.
“As the motor neurones degenerate the patient’s muscles waste away leaving them unable to walk or use their upper bodies. Gradually other bodily functions such as swallowing and speech deteriorate and respiratory functions become compromised, also. The patient’s mental capacity however remains intact. It is a terminal illness and patients require 24/7 care.”
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association was founded in 1985 by a small group of friends, relatives and carers of sufferers. The association functions mainly as a support organisation for people who have MND, their carers and families. This work entails home visiting by their MND nurse specialist, financial assistance towards home nursing and supply of specialised equipment on loan to clients. The association also supports research into the causes and treatment of motor neurone disease.
The Galway Branch of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association is one of the benefiting charities participating in the Eyre Square Centre’s Charity Night on Friday November 27. This pre-Christmas shopping extravaganza in aid of 16 local charities kicks off at 6pm and all ticketholders will receive free car parking, musical entertainment, discounts in more than 70 stores, random fashion shows, refreshments and much more. Tickets cost €10 and can be bought on the night of the launch of the Galway Branch of the IMNDA at the Loughrea Hotel and Spa and also from the customer service desk on Level 1 at the Eyre Square Centre.
For more information on both events contact Regina Cunningham, Irish Motor Disease Association. Telephone (087) 3775577 or 1800403403 Email: info@imnda.ie or rcunningham@imnda.ie