Get Iced like Daithí

#Ice Bucket Challenge

Do it like Daithí!!

The Ice Bucket Challenge has taken the world by storm and you can get involved too! Soak yourself in ice cold water to support people living with motor neurone disease. Hordes of celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Bill Gates, Oprah and Justin Bieber have gotten involved in this social media phenomenon in the name of ALS, or Motor Neurone Disease (MND) as it is known here.

What started in America has now spread to Ireland with Irish Stars like Georga Salpa getting ‘iced’ for Motor Neurone Disease. Last night the Daithí O’Shea took up the challenge live on the Rose of Tralee after being nominated by his mother-in-law. He has now nominated ray Darcy, Marty Whealan and Ryan Tubridy.

The only problem is in Ireland, as in many other parts of the world, it’s not called ALS – it’s called motor neurone disease, or MND. Turns out an awareness campaign isn’t quite as useful when it’s raising awareness for the ‘wrong’ thing. So we are urging people to take up the challenge and do it like Daithí and raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

So how does it work? Grab a bucket of ice-cold water and pour it over your head in exchange for a text donation to the MND Association. Film it and then share it via your social media using #icebucketchallenge and #MND.

http://twitter.com/IMNDA

http://www.facebook.com/IrishMND2011

What you need:

• Ice
• A camera / smartphone
• A towel
• A change of clothes (highly recommended)
• A supporter taking the MND ice bucket challenge.

How to donate:

Donate online at https://imnda.ie/get-involved/donate/donate-online/

Text MND to 50300 to donate €2 (100% of text goes to IMNDA across most network providers. Some providers apply VAT which means a minimum of €1.63 will go to IMNDA. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline (01) 4433890)

The Ice Bucket challenge has really captured everyone’s imagination! Watch videos of our supporters taking part in the Ice Bucket Challenge:

ENDS

For more information:

Maeve Leahy pr@imnda.ie or call 01-8730422

Notes to Editor:

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

MND strikes people of all agesand there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is the only organisation of its kind in this country. It was set up in May 1985 to provide care and support to people with Motor Neurone Disease, their carers, families and friends. There are currently over 310 people living with MND in Ireland. MND is often referred to as the 1,000 day disease as most people die within 1,000 days of being diagnosed.

Our key services include:

• Home visiting by our two MND Nurse Specialists
• Financial assistance towards home care
• Providing specialist medical equipment free of charge to our clients
• Supporting research into the causes and treatments of MND
• Freefone Helpline & Information service for clients
• Association Visitor Programme

The Association relies heavily on fundraising activities from our members and supporters.  We have many active regional groups throughout Ireland raising both awareness and funds.  In 2012, we received 14% of our funds from HSE and the Government so we needed to raise 86% of our overall income.  It costs approx. 1.5 million to run the Association each year.  We provide our service to the whole country imnda.ie  1800 403 403. For more information or to make a donation, contact us on 01 873 0422, email info@imnda.ie or visit our web-site: imnda.ie