‘I get to take part in something wonderful’: Cork woman taking part in MS Readathon

The 37th MS Readathon is currently underway- it started on November 1 and runs until December 15. Six weeks of glorious reading time, all while supporting the Multiple Sclerosis community throughout Ireland.

Roald Dahl, a Norwegian, launched the first MS Readathon in the Ilac centre library in Dublin in 1988. His first book, The Gremlins, was illustrated by Walt Disney.

Little did we know that all these years later, children in schools and homes all across the country would still be reading in this wonderful initiative by MS Ireland, helping to ignite a passion for reading, fostering children’s love of books, improving their literacy skills and learning, all while helping people with Multiple Sclerosis.

My journey with MS Ireland began really before I knew it was beginning... you may laugh but I have always believed that things happen for a reason.

Back in the mid 1980s, on a weekend visit home to my native Kerry a friend asked if I would be available to drive some people to a function.

I duly obliged and I ended up at an MS function in the old Manhattan Hotel in Tralee (now Ballygarry House Hotel).

I had no idea what ‘MS’ meant and if I’m honest I probably had little interest, I was just helping out a friend who needed some transport for a group she was involved with.

At this function, I discovered a second cousin of my father after she heard my surname (Sheahan) and I was introduced to a relative recently returned from England to be near family and friends for help and support.

Moving forward a few months, my future sister-in-law asked if I’d come along to an AGM on a Sunday afternoon to help out with refreshments, and by the time the evening was over my journey of volunteering had started with my local branch in Fermoy, covering the area of North and East Cork.

So I was with MS Ireland before the Readathon began.

I have shared the journey through the years by visiting schools promoting the Readathon when it was launched.

I now meet the adults who were children in the early days.

Their memories of reading are like shining stars when they speak of the fun, curiosity and love for books they acquired through participating in the Readathon.

I later joined the Board of MS Ireland, serving for nine years, where I saw firsthand all the work that goes into the preparation of the Readathon every year.

My love of reading was introduced to me by my mother many years ago; she instilled in me an insatiable curiosity about the world.

I cannot remember a time in my life when I wasn’t reading something.

In those early days all that was readily available was the Woman’s Way, Woman’s Weekly, and Ireland’s Own. Who remembers Judy, The Dandy and the Famous Five?

I carried this on with my daughter and we spent many hours lost in magical lands, transported through the galaxy in star ships, discovering mythical creatures and learning all the capital cities of the world and much more.

I now have a grandchild and even at the tender age of 18 months when she comes running to me with a book in her hand saying ”book Nan”, I am transported back to the early days with my mother reading to me the humble comic.

My preferred genres are thrillers, authors like Patricia Cornwell, Jo Nesbo, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, etc, although one of my best reads was The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller which is a romantic novel. I read it in one sitting, it was later made into a movie with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood - trust me, though the book is the way to go.

I was thrilled when a few years ago the Readathon included adult readers.

I signed up real fast, no housework got done for the month because I was lost in my happy place among the pages of my latest book and I was also helping the community I have the privilege of being part of for so many years.

A win, win for all because every euro raised improves lives.

I get to take part in something truly wonderful, helping to power vital services and improving lives across the country.

I find the benefits of reading are endless: it reduces stress and helps you relax, improves your concentration and memory, enhances knowledge, increases imagination and creativity. I’m sure there are many more but I’ll settle for the above.

The Readathon has moved with the times and you can find all the information you need on the website msreadathon.ie as well as as fundraising tips, competitions and FAQS.

We have some wonderful MS Readathon ambassadors throughout the country who visit schools, encourage children to read and share their stories.

It’s really easy: register, get sponsors, you can read whatever you like, fiction, factual, comics but whatever it is just enjoy the journey. Books can be expensive but don’t forget your local library where shelves and shelves of books are waiting just for you.

If you would like to follow my journey for this year’s MS Readathon you can do so at https://www.msreadathon.ie/fundraisers/marylonergan110404 and if you would like to sign up or help support the Multiple Sclerosis community you can also do so here: https://www.msreadathon.ie/

Or maybe join up yourself and discover the wonderful journey of reading while helping others.