MS Ireland is delighted to announce that MS Person of the year 2011 Mark Mitchell scooped one of ten national volunteering awards in a glittering ceremony attended by The President of Ireland, Micheal D Higgins. Mark is the current Chairman of the East Wicklow Branch and was nominated in the Campaigning and Awareness Raising Category. One of three shortlisted, Mark was presented the honour by the Rose of Tralee Tara Talbot and newscaster Claire Byrne.
Mark was nominated by Laura Woods, TV3 presenter and long-time friend of MS Ireland, for his passion and dedication to all things MS. Mark was involved in the establishment of the East Wicklow Branch of MS Ireland in 2008 and since then has grown the Branch from strength to strength. He organises various fundraisers, writing classes and social events for people with MS in the Branch. Read more here
Speaking at the awards President Higgins congratulated each of the winners and all volunteers who give their time and talent. He said: “…we are collectively still an instinctively decent and caring people, a people who truly understand the meaning of active and inclusive citizenship and a people who appreciate the importance of the role of volunteerism in playing its part in creating a genuinely fair and equal society.”
MS Ireland is delighted that Mark has been recognised at a national level for his work on behalf of people with MS in Ireland. Taragh Donohoe, Communications Manager at MS Ireland attended the event and celebrated with Mark, his wife Ross and friends. She said:“It was very emotional occasion as the wonderful efforts of over 30 people were recognised on the night. When Mark’s name was announced it was a pleasant surprise. In MS Ireland we know of Mark’s fantastic work but to have it recognised nationally is a amazing achievement. We are all very proud.”
The Ireland Involved Awards are organised by Volunteer Ireland, who promote, facilitate and celebrate volunteering and is the representative body for the network of Volunteering Centres in Ireland. The awards were sponsored by panadol.