The month of November sees the launch of MS Readathon 2014 in Castleisland Community College. First year students, under the auspices of their English teachers, will, quite literally partake in a marathon of reading.
“The month long initiative serves a dual purpose in that it raises the awareness of Multiple Sclerosis in the locality while also fostering a genuine love for reading. The Irish author Joseph O’Connor describes a good book as ‘a friend, companion, confidante, a means of escape from the everyday, a source of solace, courage, laughter, diversity and beauty,” said college teacher, Justin Bennett.
“With this very much in their minds these erudite young students are feverishly reading!! And hoping through their bookish endeavours to raise much needed funding,” said Mr. Bennett.
Local MS campaigner, Elizabeth Nolan said that the initiative will help to enable and empower people affected by Multiple Sclerosis to live the life of their choice to their fullest potential.
”On behalf of MS Ireland, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the students and English teachers alike. The MS mission statement is a reality due to schools like the Castleisland Community College for not only becoming involved in the MS Readathon 2014 but for their willingness to make it an annual event within the school,” said Elizabeth.
“Ms Ireland is chiefly a services driven organisation and is focused on providing timely person-centred services that create independence and choice for a person with MS and their family. The MS society relies on a vigorous fundraising campaign,” she said.
Readathon has become a phenomenon since its launch in 1988 in helping to secure various services to the over 8,000 people affected with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland.
For further information about MS Ireland, the services they offer for MS patients and their families or to get involved with the MS Readathon, contact: Siobahn Lynch, Regional Community Worker at 064 66 3 0851 or siobhanl@ms-society.ie
