Life has changed a lot recently for Donegal mum and teacher Maggie Green, but this month she is focusing on helping others in a special way.

Maggie is encouraging people in the county to join Ireland’s oldest fundraiser by signing up for this year’s MS Readathon.

The MS Readathon takes place all through the month of November. MS Readathon ambassador Maggie Green says the venture is needed now more than ever.

Funds raised from the MS Readathon will help fund vital support services for people living with MS and their families.

Four years ago, Creeslough woman Maggie Green was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“It came as a shock at first,” Maggie says.

“It started with a bit of tingling in one hand, a bit of numbness in my arm.

“When I got the news initially, I was devastated. My frame of reference for MS was worse case scenarios.

“I was very scared. I was concerned for what the future held for me. My life has changed since I first got the news of the diagnosis. I’m no longer as scared as I was.”

Maggie has learned to deal with MS, although she has to conserve her energy. Her children, Abigail and Conor, make up for that.

Both of them will be taking part in the MS Readathon next month.

Maggie says: “They are full of energy. They are avid readers and they’re looking forword to the MS Readathon.

“It encourages young and old alike to pick up a book and start reading. Now, more than ever, the 9,000 people in Ireland living with MS need your support.”

Children can register with their school or individually, while teachers can also sign up a class to take part. A new interactive website has been built to let kids write book reviews.

Check out www.msreadathon.ie for more information or to sign up.