News

Generator’s Skyview Tower Halloween Abseil!

February 23rd, 2021

NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE CHALLENGE…Climb 244 steps to the top of the tower and abseil 190 feet down into Smithfield square on Halloween weekend, this is NOT for the fainthearted!

*PLEASE NOTE – THIS EVENT IS SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS*

On Saturday 30th October, the IMNDA will take over the Generator’s Skyview Tower in Smithfield for a blood curdlingly spooky event! We are looking for brave and capable participants who want to do something a little bit different whilst raising money for charity.

We are extremely excited to be part of this brand new event this autumn. Twice the height of Croke Park’s Hogan Stand, we dare you to take this on to raise funds for people with MND.

This is the first ever abseiling event down this iconic tower so this is truly a unique opportunity! This huge red brick tower dominates the Smithfield skyline. Building of the structure was completed in 1895.

Participants must be over 16 and no abseiling experience is required. This event is ran in conjunction with www.ukbungee.co.uk who will provide full training on the day.

Go back in time as you climb the 244 winding steps – please be sure you are fit and able for the 16 flights of steps before you sign up. There is no other way up but it’s well worth it for the breath-taking unobstructed views of Dublin stretching as far as Howth and Killiney.

UK Bungee Club will get you harnessed up and ready so you can abseil down the tower from the viewing platform with your friends and family cheering you on from the bottom – the ultimate buzz not to be missed!!!

To register for this amazing experience and secure your place we ask for payment of €100. However, we won’t be taking any payment until we have more certainty on events and restrictions for Autumn 2021. To register your interest please email fundraising@imnda.ie.

We are setting a €300 fundraising target (which is additional to the €100 fee) per participant so please be confident you can raise this before signing up. Places are limited and we want to maximise funds from such a special event. We provide sponsorship cards and encourage fundraising online.

*Please Note* We are hopeful Covid Restrictions will be lifted for this event to take place in October 2021. Currently we are asking people to register their interest by emailing fundraising@imnda.ie and we will add your name to the list and update you on the status of the event as the year goes on.

The Good Run 2021

February 23rd, 2021

It’s back!!!

The Good Run is a charity fun run that has taken place on Good Friday for the last 6 years. Over €100,000 has been raised by The Good Run to date which has gone towards supporting the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. Join us in continuing this tradition by accepting our 5k Good Run Challenge this Good Friday the 2nd of April and helping us to raise much needed funds for the IMNDA and Research Motor Neurone.

More info coming soon….

The Story of the iPad and Predictable App

February 17th, 2021

A Small Device that brings Big Benefits

An iPad and Predictable app transform lives
Device is instrumental in maintaining social circle and network

Solving problems

The IMNDA helps people who have been diagnosed with MND/ALS in a variety of ways. It supplies mobility aids to those who cannot walk unaided, communication devices to those who cannot talk, and care packages to people who need assistance with personal or home care. (more…)

A Nurse’s Perspective

February 11th, 2021

The past year has seen a lot of changes in our lives, but one service has remained steady and constant during all the chaos. Our Nursing Service.

Here, one of our fab four, Eithne Cawley speaks about nursing during the pandemic and the importance of our Sponsored Silence Campaign #Voice4MND.

She explores the symptoms and emotions associated with speech loss and how our services can help. (more…)

Virtual Bridge Charity Night

February 9th, 2021

CNUCHA BRIDGE CLUB

Invite you to play in our Virtual Bridge Charity Night

Being held on 17^th FEBRUARY 2021 @ 7.30 PM on BBO

in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) (more…)

New Year – New Research Updates!

February 4th, 2021

As we kick off 2021, news arrives to us from across the pond of research developments. Recently, the University of Edinburgh issued a press release saying that a cohort of their scientists had unveiled interesting lab results that in the future could lead to potential treatments. (more…)

Sometimes Silence Speaks Volumes

Support people with Motor Neurone Disease this February

This February we are once again running our sponsored silence campaign #Voice4MND. All we ask is that you stay silent for a minimum of 30 minutes so you can experience what it would be like to lose your voice. Imagine one hour, imagine one day, imagine one week without your voice. We want you to give up your voice so you can experience what it is like for someone with Motor Neurone Disease.

More than 80% of people living with MND will experience some form of speech difficulty during their illness – some will lose their voice completely.

All you need to do is pick a day and duration for your silence, register and share!

Take on our challenge this February and lose your voice so others can be heard.

This year our campaign is fronted by Patricia Yarrow and Madeline O’Connor. They wanted to share their stories so that others could understand the impact of what life is like when you lose your voice.

Patricia Yarrow (70) from Cork was diagnosed with MND last September. This time last year, she had never heard of Motor Neurone Disease. The diagnosis devastated Patricia, she was forced to close her psychotherapy practise as her voice had deteriorated so much.

“Sometimes it is assumed I am drunk or have an intellectual disability, but whatever the assumption, the word I find that fits the experience for me is “diminishing”. I feel ‘less than’ compared to how I used to be and vulnerable, not being able to express or explain myself,” said Patricia.

Madeline O’Connor (65) from Kerry, has been living with MND since April 2020. In September she too had to retire from work, as her slurring voice made it impossible for her to continue her job in the Eir Call Centre.

“What I miss most about losing my voice is being able to have chats with my daughter, Marie and conversations with friends,” said Madeline.

To sign up for our Sponsored Silence just fill out the online registration form. It’s that simple! Spread awareness by sharing your sponsored silence on social media by using #Voice4MND. Nominate friends and families to join you.

You can also donate to the campaign by texting 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 076 6805278). Alternatively you can Donate Online HERE.

“It is difficult to go out into the community when people don’t understand that I require a little more patience” said Madeline.

Sometimes silence can speak volumes. Take on our challenge this February. Don’t let Patricia and Madeline suffer in silence; don’t let them live without a voice. Lose your voice so that others can be heard.

“My biggest fear around this disease and losing my voice is that people will lose sight of me,” said Patricia.

Please Register HERE today. Thank you.

Five Ways for Carers to Practice Mindfulness

January 13th, 2021

“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too,” L.R. Knost

Staying well while supporting a loved one with MND takes real effort. Oftentimes caregivers’ own needs get put on hold because of the demands of the condition. The pandemic has also deprived families of key supports and social contact. As the COVID-19 crisis rumbles on, self-care has never been more important for caregivers. (more…)

IMNDA Christmas Hours

December 23rd, 2020

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association will close up on Wednesday 23rd December at 1pm.

We will be back in action on Monday 4th January at 9am.

We would like to wish you a very merry, healthy and safe Christmas and thank you for your unwavering commitment and support to the Association during a year like no other.

Here’s to 2021 when we hope we will meet again in person!

A Christmas Note from our CEO

December 22nd, 2020

What a year 2020 has been. Little did we know at the start of the year when the word Coronavirus first entered our lives, that we would be still facing so much uncertainty as we approached 2021. (more…)

Christmas Message from Michael Clancy

December 14th, 2020

Michael Clancy is one of our much loved IMNDA Ambassadors. Micheal is a Clare man living in Limerick. He has a little message to share with the MND Community over this festive period.

(more…)

A Voice in the Wilderness by Andy McGovern

December 14th, 2020

The year 2020 will go down in history. The year when the whole world slowed down. A time when people took a step back, relaxed and stayed at home, spent more time with family. People gave thanks and appreciated all that they had. Please God if I’m spared, this will be my 87th Christmas on this earth. These old eyes have seen it all, the good and the bad. I’m thankful that life has bestowed upon me a calm perspective. (more…)

Our Story by Valerie Hurley

December 1st, 2020

Today is Giving Tuesday. A day for sharing kindness with others, supporting causes close to your heart, giving up your time to help those around you. We want to use today to give a voice to our community. We want you to give us a moment to hear Valerie and Michael Hurley’s story.

(more…)

Kilmac2Lapland

November 30th, 2020

Santa needs help being directed back to Lapland!

Santa was snatched but with the culprit caught, he needs your help to get him from Kilmacanogue to Lapland! Will you run/ walk from December 1^st to direct Santa on his way?

(more…)

Statement on the passing of Patrick Quinn, co-founder of the ALS/MND Ice Bucket Challenge

November 23rd, 2020

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is truly saddened to hear of the passing of Patrick Quinn. The IMNDA wish to offer it’s condolences to Pat’s family, friends and relatives. Pat was a true inspiration for the entire MND Community and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this very sad time. (more…)