The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) has launched its annual ‘Walk While You Can’ campaign, taking place on or around October 25th.
This nationwide event invites individuals, families, workplaces and communities across Ireland, to walk in solidarity with those living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), raising vital funds and awareness to support IMNDA’s essential services.
PAUL’S STORY
Among those championing this year’s campaign is IMNDA ambassador Paul McCormick from Co Dublin. Paul, 59, originally from Monaghan, moved to Dublin in 1983 to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons, graduating in 1989. He went on to become a General Practitioner, working in Dublin, Mayo and Sligo, and even spent time at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in the U.S.
He met his wife Bláithín while interning in Beaumont Hospital, and together they built a life around medicine and family. Married since 1991, they share four adult children, three sons and a daughter. Two of their sons are now qualified doctors, and their daughter Aoibhinn has recently begun studying medicine at RCSI, following in their father’s footsteps.
After noticing weakness in his left hand in late 2023, Paul was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a form of MND, in early 2024.
“When I was first diagnosed, Motor Neurone Disease occupied 90% of my thinking time,” Paul said. “Now, it’s 10%. The rest of my time is spent living, laughing, and doing what I love with the people I love. That’s what Walk While You Can is about — it’s not about what’s lost, it’s about what remains.”
Paul and Bláithín made the difficult decision to step away from their medical practice in late 2024, ensuring their patients and staff were cared for before turning their attention to advocacy and family.
Paul is now participating in several MND research trials at St James’s and Beaumont Hospitals and continues to raise awareness through his involvement with IMNDA. His daughter, Aoibhinn, organised a Walk While You Can event on New Year’s Day 2025, raising over €12,000.
“I’m fortunate to have a wonderful family, supportive friends and the incredible help of IMNDA,” he said. “Motor Neurone Disease affects the whole family — and that’s why campaigns like Walk While You Can mean so much.”
Kevin Burn, CEO of IMNDA, is encouraging communities to get involved.
“Every euro raised helps fund our nursing care, counselling, and equipment for people living with MND. Whether you walk alone, with family, or as part of a community event, every step you take helps someone living with this disease.”
To register your walk or donate, visit www.imnda.ie
