Ann's MS fundraiser nearing it's end in Waterford

A resident of Tramore Nursing Home in Co Waterford has inspired fellow-residents, staff, local schools, businesses, neighbours and supporters to get active over the last month and in doing so raise money for MS Ireland.

World MS Day ambassador Ann Van Hemelendonck, undertook The May 50k challenge throughout the month and what began as a personal challenge has grown into a community campaign that captured the imagination of people across Tramore.

'Team Ann' has already raised over €8,000 in support of MS Ireland and completed more than 125 kilometres during the month of May.

The May 50K is a global fitness and fundraising challenge that encourages people to walk, roll or run 50 kilometres during May to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis. 

The challenge ends on World MS Day, May 30 - a global day of awareness that brings the MS community together to share stories, raise understanding and highlight the realities of living with MS.

Ann, who is living with MS, has shown remarkable determination throughout the campaign, taking part in her own walking challenge and inspiring others to join her in supporting the over 11,000 people living with MS in Ireland.

As part of her challenge Ann, along with her physical activity coordinator, Chris Conroy, became some of the first Déise residents to walk across the North Quay’s new sustainable transport bridge in Waterford City - something they did on May 1, to kick-start the campaign.

Speaking about the campaign, Ann said: “I have refused to allow my own diagnosis of MS to completely impact my life, and I am now doing the May 50K Challenge to help other people living with MS.” 

“It means so much to see so many people getting involved," she said.

"I wanted to do something positive, and I am so grateful to everyone who has supported Team Ann and MS Ireland," she added.

Team Ann has brought together a wide range of supporters, including residents and staff at Tramore Nursing Home, local schools, businesses and members of the wider community. The campaign has become a powerful example of what can happen when one person’s commitment inspires many others to act.

Chris Conroy, Activities Coordinator at Tramore Nursing Home, said: “I have never once heard Ann complain or seek any sympathy due to her diagnosis of MS. Her strength, positivity and determination are truly inspiring to all the residents and staff in the home.”

Ava Battles, CEO of MS Ireland, said Ann is an inspiration to everyone at Tramore Nursing Home, the wider Tramore community and the whole MS community in Ireland. 

"Ann’s dedication and community spirit show us how we can all support vitally important causes through partnership, togetherness and kindness," she said.

"Well done to Ann and everyone who has come together to make the Team Ann campaign such a success," she added.

In Ireland, MS Ireland is marking World MS Day 2026 through its campaign, 'MS Journeys: Many Faces, One Community'.

With the campaign ending on May 30, there is still time to give Ann and MS Ireland support at visit www.themay50k.ie.