Young Laois dad shares story of living with MS
Laois man John Bergin has shared his story of living with multiple sclerosis (MS), as he hopes to help people understand the reality of living with the condition. Photo: MS Ireland
A YOUNG Laois man has shared his story of living with multiple sclerosis (MS), as he hopes to help people understand the 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.”
Among the biggest challenges John 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.”
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.”
His message to others living with MS is simple: “Reach out to MS Ireland and remember you are not alone.”
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 a 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.
