Team Ann has already raised over €8,000 in support of MS Ireland and completed more than 125 kilometres during the month of May by taking on the The May 50K Challenge
MS Ireland World MS Day ambassador Ann Van Hemelendonck taking on the May 50k Challenge
MS Ireland World MS Day ambassador Ann Van Hemelendonck wants to inspire people to get active and raise vital funds for MS Ireland through The May 50K Challenge.
A resident of Tramore Nursing Home in Co. Waterford, Ann has motivated fellow residents, staff, local schools, businesses, neighbours and supporters to get behind the cause.
What began as Ann’s own personal challenge has grown into a community campaign that has 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 which 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, 30 May, a global day of awareness which 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.
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. I wanted to do something positive, and I am so grateful to everyone who has supported Team Ann and MS Ireland.”
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, added: “Ann Van Hemelendonck 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. Well done to Ann and everyone who has come together to make the Team Ann campaign such a success.”
World MS Day is marked each year on 30 May and is an opportunity to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, share lived experiences and recognise the strength and resilience of the MS community.
In Ireland, MS Ireland is marking World MS Day 2026 through its campaign, MS Journeys: Many Faces, One Community, sharing stories from people living with MS across Ireland throughout May.
Through Team Ann, the Tramore community is not only raising funds, but also helping to build greater understanding of MS and the support needed by people living with the condition.
To support The May 50K for MS Ireland, visit www.themay50k.ie.
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