Young Laois dad shares story of living with MS

A YOUNG Laois man has shared his story of living with multiple sclerosis (MS), as he hopes to help people understand the everyday reality of living with the condition.

As World MS Day approaches on 30 May, John Bergin says the day matters because it aims to bring more awareness about people living with MS.

John says: “Without family and friends, I would be lost. The support I get is incredible.” 

From Castletown and living in Borris-in-Ossory, John is a personal trainer, swimming teacher, lifeguard and gym instructor at Zest Health Club in Portlaoise.

Among the biggest challenges he faces are fatigue, walking, balance and the sudden change from "feeling fine to not feeling fine at all". He is also keen to challenge one of the common misconceptions about MS, saying: “Just because I look okay doesn’t mean I am okay … hidden disabilities.” 

Diagnosed with MS just last year, John's first symptoms were fatigue, numbness or tingling and difficulties with balance or dizziness.

After he became very ill in February 2025, he spent a week in hospital and underwent a series of tests. That April, he was seen by a neurologist who diagnosed MS.

While he sometimes uses a walking aid, John remains as busy and active as possible, with “the best care” from his doctor, neurologist, MS nurses, infusion nurse and MS Ireland.

However, the best care of all comes from his beloved wife Colleen and their two beautiful little daughters, Emily and Isabella. A loyal and devoted supporter, Colleen is currently doing The May 50k in aid of MS Ireland.

For John, living with MS means living with uncertainty, as he says: “Every minute, every hour and every day is a mystery.” 

That unpredictability has changed how he sees life. Since his diagnosis, John says he appreciates life more deeply and tries to make the most of every day, “no matter how good or bad”.

His message to someone newly diagnosed is one of reassurance and support: “You are not alone … reach out to MS Ireland because the support and care they provide goes above and beyond.”

Despite the challenges, John is proud of his many roles, from husband and father to swimming teacher.

He says: “I can still be a husband to my wife, a father to my kids and I’m still able to help people as a personal trainer and swimming teacher.” 

Being around others who understand MS has also made a real difference, as he explains: “I get to be around people like me, people who know what you are going through.” 

World MS Day is observed globally to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, share experiences and bring people together across the MS community. This year, the global theme is diagnosis, recognising that for many people, diagnosis can be life-changing and can bring uncertainty, questions and emotion.

In Ireland, MS Ireland is marking World MS Day 2026 through its national awareness campaign, MS Journeys: Many Faces, One Community. The campaign is sharing stories from people living with MS across Ireland throughout May, highlighting that every journey is different while also reflecting the strength, resilience and support found within the MS community.

John’s story is being shared as part of this campaign, as he says that MS Ireland has played an important role in helping him feel connected and understood. Family, friends and the local MS community have been central to his journey.

He says: “MS Ireland has given me a community where people understand me. Being part of the wider MS community means the world and more.” 

Through John’s story, MS Ireland’s World MS Day campaign aims to build understanding, challenge misconceptions and remind people living with MS that they are part of a strong and supportive community.

MS is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, with symptoms varying in severity and ranging from fatigue and reduced mobility to changes in sensation and memory. More information is available online at MSIreland and the MS Infoline at 0818 233233.