On Friday 3 May Tom Curran appeared on The Late Late Show to speak about his partner, their life with MS and their recent battle in the courts to win the right to die.
For many people with MS watching this show it may have been upsetting, particularly for those newly diagnosed or struggling with their MS. The impact of Marie’s MS is more significant than most and her decision to end her life if the time comes is rare among people with MS.
We hope that the MS Community watching the piece remembers that there is no one course of MS, no one way to manage it and no one way to cope with the emotional impact. We further remind people that the services of MS Ireland are available to anyone wishing to learn more, receive support or get involved. We have 10 regional services, 39 voluntary Branches, a national Information Line, a respite care centre, a website and lots of other resources and services that can help people and families live positive, valuable and comfortable lives.
If you have been affected by the content of The Late Late Show piece our MS Information Line will be open on Saturday 4 May from 10am – 2pm. Messages will be returned if the line is busy. The Information Line reopens on Tuesday for normal service 10am – 2pm.
MS Ireland believes there are many faces of MS and by focusing on any one experience it can lead to skewed perceptions. Despite our efforts to offer the media other stories of people living with MS, coverage of MS has focused on Marie and Tom exclusively.
If you would like to help us present other experiences of MS why not write a letter to the editor of some of the national newspapers. Share your opinion and journey with MS.
Also, you could become a spokesperson for MS and help us create awareness of MS during our World MS Day activities throughout May. We are looking for people who will share their story on the radio, local and national papers and TV.
- Read previous articles on assisted suicide, including MS Ireland’s comments
- Share your views on media coverage of this case