READaTHON 2008

The MS READaTHON is a chance for children to read brilliant books, raise money for MS, AND be in with a chance of winning brilliant prizes!

The annual sponsored read is an opportunity for children to throw themselves into the amazing, wonderful and comical adventures just waiting to be discovered in the world of children's books.

By joining in the MS READaTHON, not only will children all over the country be reading their favourite books in the space of a month but they'll also be raising money for people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland.

The sign-up period for this year's MS READaTHON is now underway, with the reading period running from the 17th October until the 17th November.

And as ever, this brilliant initiative is supported by lots of famous authors and sports personalities, like Cecelia Ahern, Gordon D'Arcy, Oisín McGann, Marita Conlon McKenna and Laura Woods.

In 2007 31,000 young readers aged 6-16 raised over €1.4 million for those living with MS in Ireland. Cheryl Gunning, MS READaTHON manager, says, "On behalf of the 7,000 people who have MS in Ireland, we would like to say a huge thank you to all the schoolchildren, teachers and parents who helped to make this possible. We hope you enjoyed taking part and we look forward to seeing you back for the 2008 campaign." Since 1988, when the MS READaTHON was first held in Ireland, over 10 million euro has been raised.

Cheryl continues, "Reading makes you smarter. It's a fact. So, join the MS READaTHON in September and feed your brain! Not only will you be raising money for people with MS, but there are also loads of prizes to be won and each pupil who gets involved receives a Thank You gift".

Besides these thank you gifts and Certificate of Appreciation, participating children will also have the chance to win hundreds of major prizes including a computer, a trip for two to see Manchester Utd play at Old Trafford, a digital camera, a road & track bicycle and a Roboreptile.

Schools can compete for the Winning Schools Trophies and for thousands of euros worth of books with which to update their school libraries. There are prizes for teachers and librarians too. In addition, ten per cent of the money raised in each school can be kept to buy books or reading aids for the school.

HOW TO SIGN UP

The sign up period is now underway. Children can sign up individually to take part, and/or schoolteachers can sign their classes up. Schools can sign up by filling out the entry forms that they will all receive in September. Individuals can pick up entry forms from their bookshop, which will also be available from that time.

For more information visit www.msreadathon.ie or phone 1850 650 950.

SOME INFORMATION ON MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting over 7,000 Irish adults and the many thousands of people that share their lives. In some parts of Ireland 1 in 400 people are affected - one of the highest rates in the world. Every year over 250 people are diagnosed with MS, which typically develops between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Although not common among young people, it can affect them hugely if someone in their family is diagnosed.

MS Ireland is the only national organisation working solely on behalf of people living with Multiple Sclerosis and those who share their lives. MS Ireland exists to facilitate people with Multiple Sclerosis to control their lives and environment, to live with dignity and participate in the community. The Society provides a range of services to meet the needs of the MS Community.

Members of the public with any queries relating to MS should call the MS Helpline on 1850 233 233. All calls are strictly confidential.