Waterford duo set to walk across North Quays' bridge to raise funds for MS research

A local Waterford duo will become some of the first people to grace the North Quay’s sustainable transport bridge in a bid to raise money for MS research.

Ann Van Hemelendonck and Chris Conroy met in Tramore Nursing Home over three years ago. Ann is a resident of the home, having been first diagnosed with MS 35 years ago, while Chris works as the nursing home’s activity coordinator.

Chris recalled coming back to working in the nursing home from holidays, and stumbling on a rather serene woman, chipping away at her arts and crafts while bathing in the garden’s sun.

Ann had just moved in, and the two instantly struck up a friendship.

“She's an inspiration to everyone,” says Chris.

“She's the heartbeat of the home. She's great with other residents, getting them involved in things. She's really encouraging. She brightens everyone’s days.”

Last year, during a routine conversation designed to gauge residents’ wants and needs, Ann told Chris she would like to begin walking again.

That birthed a goal to complete a 50-kilometre fundraiser across May.  Through intensive rehab and training, Ann built from a base of ten metres to eventually walking over 2 km over the course of the month.

Chris covered the remainder of the distance for the fundraiser, before running an additional 50km.

Now Ann’s gunning to better that distance.

“I'd love to be able to at least equal it, but I probably will do a little bit more and push myself that much harder,” says Ann.

“You have to put your mind to it. I'm stubborn. If I put my mind to doing something, I will persevere, and I was determined to walk again. So with Chris' help, I am managing to do it, not as well as I'd like to be able to, but I will get better.

“It’s progressive (MS). I started off just with stiffness and an inability to move freely. Gradually, it got worse, and I sometimes can't move my hands properly or my legs. But with exercise, it has helped considerably.

“Now I'm able to walk 100 meters at a go instead of 10, thanks to Chris.” 

The idea of the bridge walk first incubated in Ann’s mind as a way to one-up last year’s fundraiser.

The two credit Waterford Social Democrats' councillor Mary Roche as a major help in realising the plan. They’ll don their high-viz vests and hard hats for the walk on Friday, May 1, where they hope the weather conditions will be amenable.

They have already shattered last year’s fundraising total. As of 30 April, they have raised around €4,000.

This year, they decided to take a more enterprising approach to the fundraising- running a raffle to drive up support.

12 other residents are taking part this year, and donations are being matched by Mowlam Healthcare, Ireland’s largest independent provider of nursing home care.

The duo also credited Conor O’Shea from ‘Rent A Box’ as one of the most sizeable donors involved.

Ann and Chris’ Facebook page can be viewed here.

Donations can be made via this link.