Kiltimagh man supports Friends of MS Care Centre Appeal

MS Ireland, the services, research and information society for people with multiple sclerosis, with the support of people across the country such as Joseph Finn, launched the appeal to raise the urgent funds. This is Micheal Smyth’s story:

Micheal Smyth is 62 and lives alone.  In 1981, Micheal was diagnosed with MS.  He has relapsing-remitting MS for 20 years. When asked about how Micheal manages his MS, he says, “I don’t let things get on top of me, I just keep going”.

Micheal has been visiting the MS Care Centre for the last 15 years and looks forward to his stay there every time. Micheal has a carer who visits daily for a few hours but manages otherwise by himself.

Micheal points out the professional services, socialising and great activities offered by the MS Care Centre to people with MS.

About his visits to the MS Care Centre, Micheal Smyth says: “They give a person time to talk and they make the time to listen, I find this very helpful.”

The main benefit of the MS Care Centre for Micheal is the break away, joining in on all the activities that are arranged there and getting help with what is important.

When asked how he personally takes respite at the most challenging times, Micheal replied: “I love to paint a little, which is something I enjoy in the MS Care Centre and now do a little bit of at home”.

Circle of Friends
The MS Care Centre is building a circle of friends to help raise urgently needed funds and asks the general public to join the circle. Celebrities who have pledged their friendship to date include musician Sharon Shannon, international and Munster rugby player Jerry Flannery, Minister Lucinda Creighton TD, TV presenter Lisa Cannon and photographer Tom Lawlor.

To support Friends of the MS Care Centre appeal, make a donation, set up a direct debit or organise a fundraising event in your home, workplace or community please visit www.ms-society.ie. of the MS Care Centre Action Plan:

Each week 12 residents enjoy a number of social and therapeutic activities such as yoga, massage, day trips, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and a personalised nursing assessment. Resident’s individual needs and choices are catered for by our experienced therapists, nurses and care staff.

We have carried out a full review of the Centre, its facilities, physical structure, services and future direction.  Our review also included feedback from residents on how we could improve their stay with us.  The result is a comprehensive plan of renewal and renovation that will help us to enhance the lives of thousands of people with MS.  We now urgently need to fund this plan.

The plan identifies many areas for development including:

• The replacement of our roof and windows
• The renovation of our 12 bedrooms and two sitting rooms to improve accessibility and comfort
• The upgrade of equipment in our physiotherapy and occupational therapy suite
• The enhancement of our personal supports and therapies such as speech and language therapy, specialist MS Nursing or physiotherapy
• The upgrade of our emergency alarm system to ensure the maximum safety and comfort of residents
• Upgrade the kitchen equipment and facilities
• Replace the mini bus which brings people to appointments and on day trips
• Replace the lift

Members of the public with any queries relating to MS should call the MS Information Line 1850 233 233.  Open Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm.  All calls are strictly confidential.