#Longford - Orla Supporting MS Ireland
My name is Orla Lawlor and I am honoured to be chosen as the Longford Ambassador for the 2020 VHI Women's Mini Marathon. I am delighted to share my story of how I first entered the Mini Marathon, and also why I chose MS Ireland as my charity.
My Background
In 2007, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 23. MS is a condition of the brain and spinal cord, and all nerves in the body can be affected. Sometimes the relapses can be quite scary, but I am lucky in that my MS seems to be under control due to the combination of the right medication and a healthy lifestyle. In 2009, I walked my first ever Women's Mini Marathon in an effort to raise money for MS Ireland which is a vital support for people with MS in Ireland. I have entered the event every year since then, and I look forward to the event every year. I walked it the first three years, and then, inspired by other people running it, I set myself the goal of running it. I had never run more than a couple of metres before, so I started training, and worked up to 5km, and then in 2012 I ran my first ever 10km when I ran the Women's Mini Marathon in June 2012.
Progress
Over the years, I gradually progressed from walker to slow jogger, to fast jogger and then finally to the runners’ wave where I have been for the past few years. The Women's Mini Marathon started my love of running and I began to run longer races including several 10 Mile Races, Half Marathons, two 3/4 Marathons, and the Dublin City Marathon twice. Every year I raise money for MS Ireland and I am so grateful that I am fit to run. I believe that exercise has helped me to keep my MS under control, and running for MS Ireland is my way of helping others with MS.
What the Mini Marathon has done for me
I believe that the Mini Marathon is responsible for my love of running, and I am so grateful for all the friends I have made through running, many of whom also run the Mini Marathon every year. Running has made me fit and healthy, and it is so important for both physical and mental health. The Mini Marathon is my most special race every year and I am so looking forward to running it again this year. It is such a unique event, so if you haven't done it before or weren't planning on doing it this year, give it a shot. The atmosphere is unlike any you've ever experienced before, and every woman walking or running has their own special reason for being there.
The Post Covid Plan
Unfortunately due to Covid 19, this year's event in May had to be cancelled. However, there is a virtual event being planned and I will still be representing Longford by completing 10km near my home instead. Hopefully, I can round up a few other locals to run either their own route or the same route as me (in line with government guidelines, within own county, maintaining a 2m distance from others etc). It won't be the big event that was planned but it will still be a great day and an opportunity to raise funds for my chosen charity MS Ireland.
What MS Ireland Does
MS Ireland is the national organisation providing information, vital services and support to the MS community. We provide a wide range of specialised services and resources on a national, regional and local level. Services include; Regional Community Worker programmes for one-to-one support; physiotherapy; symptom management courses; newly diagnosed sessions and the MS Information Line, one of the first services used in the time leading up to or following a diagnosis. We also provide the only national respite and therapy centre for people with MS in Ireland. More than two-thirds of the 9,000 people living with MS in Ireland access these resources. All those affected by the condition rely on MS Ireland to advocate on their behalf on any issues which will impact their quality of life.