Hilltown fundraiser gets baking to stop MS
Justina MacDonald from Hilltown is aiming to raise lots of dough for the MS Society by getting involved in Cake Break which is taking place on the 15th May.
The mouth-watering event is aiming to raise over £300,000 throughout the UK to support people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The condition, which attacks the central nervous system, causes symptoms such as problems with mobility and balance, vision, dizziness and fatigue, to come and go or get steadily worse.
Justina, who works at Kingspan Environmental in Newry, will be hosting a Cake Break for the first time this year on Friday 15th May.
Mother-of-three Justina told Newry Times, “I’m really looking forward to hosting this Cake Break to raise funds for a charity close to my heart. I was diagnosed with MS almost two years. It was a real bolt out of the blue.
“My first relapse was a very frightening experience. I got terrible pins and needles and lost all power on my right hand side. I was hospitalised and had tests and eventually I was told it was MS which was a massive shock for me and my family.
She continued, “MS is a bit of hidden condition – it’s not always obvious that people are struggling with the symptoms and that’s hard to deal with. MS definitely takes a bit of your life away but I think it’s important to keep fighting back.
“I’m a firm believer in the power of a good diet and lots of exercise, along with MS medicines. Thankfully, I’m feeling quite well at the moment and that’s why I want to give something back and help others.”
Justina’s friends and colleagues at Kingspan are also getting involved by baking their favourite cakes and treats for the big event. There will also be mini manicures and pedicures on offer in exchange for a donation.
Justina hopes the local community will get involved in Cake Break too. “Most people in Northern Ireland love to have a cuppa tea and a wee treat so I’d like to encourage everyone to get involved and host their own Cake Break at home, work or school. Your support will really make a difference to people living with MS.”
Samantha Creighton, Community Fundraiser at the MS Society said, “We’d love more people to take part in Cake Break. It’s a delicious way to fundraise for people affected by MS throughout Northern Ireland and provides a great opportunity for people to get together and spend quality time with friends and family.
“This year the money we raise will towards funding life-changing MS research; supporting our helpline and providing grants and short breaks for individuals and families affected by MS.”
To sign up for a free fundraising pack or for more information about Cake Break, visit www.cakebreak.org.uk or call 0845 481 1577, lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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