Limerick couple chosen as faces of popular charity campaign close to their hearts

A LIMERICK couple have been chosen to be the faces of a charity campaign close to their hearts.

Final calls for people to register for the Drink Tea for Irish Motor Neurone Disease (IMND) campaign have been made, with tea-drinking events taking place across the country throughout spring.

Tony Ryan and Amanda Lillis from Pallasgreen, have been chosen as ambassadors for this year’s campaign. Tony was diagnosed with MND in April 2022.

Tony and Amanda, along with their four children, Corey, 28, Tonieka, 25, Zekeisha, 17, and Zantianna 12, are determined to make the most of each day.

Amanda said: “MND is a cruel disease that takes so much away. The hardest part for Tony is not being able to do the things he used to do on his own.

READ ALSO: Women’s Collective to host Limerick event on making politics accessible

“But the support we’ve received from the IMNDA has been a lifeline. It’s not just practical help but also emotional support and the assistance with equipment that truly makes a difference.

“We need more awareness, so others like us can find the help they need. When we recently went to buy clothes, we had a humiliating experience where we were told that Tony couldn’t bring someone into the fitting room to help him.

“It's an example of how MND isn’t always visible to others, but the struggles are real. We hope that by sharing our story, more people will understand MND and why fundraising is so crucial.

“The IMNDA has been a key part of our journey, and we are so grateful for all they do.”

The IMNDA marks 40 years in 2025 and the organisation rely on fundraising to sustain over 85% of its income, funding support services including care grants, counselling, and equipment to improve the quality of life for those affected by MND.

To get involved this spring in the Drink Tea for MND campaign, now in it's 16th year, you can register your Drink Tea event at IMNDA's website, host your tea party at any point throughout the season that suits you and share your event on social media with the hashtag #DrinkTeaForMND to boost awareness.

Tony and Amanda’s message is clear: “Every cup of tea, every event, and every donation brings us closer to a world where MND is understood, and families get the support they need.”