Hi, I'm Hugh and I'm taking part in Ironman Austria on July 1st this year. Ironman is a long distance triathlon event consisting of a 3.9k swim, 180k bike and a 42.2km run. It's my second crack at one and this time I thought I'd try and raise awareness of, and Funds for MS. Its a condition that has hit close to home recently as my Cousin Anna, has been diagnosed with MS recently so I'd like to do something to help.

MS is an unpredictable, long term illness which affects the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure (yet!). It effects the body physically, emotionally and cognitively. The medication used to manage it can cause many undesirable side effects adding to the daily difficulties that MS itself presents. Because many of the symptoms of it are 'invisible' e.g. Pain, exhaustion, cognitive dysfunction etc., very few people understand the disease, unless they have a personal connection to it.

MS Ireland provide essential services for people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Voluntary branches around the country offer support such as physiotherapy and counselling for individuals and families. They also run seminars for the newly diagnosed and host symptom management sessions and much more! A portion of the money we raise will also go towards MS Research.

Any support would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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