'Every contribution is a step toward hope' - Over €30k raised for Limerick man with MND

OVER €30,000 has been raised for a Limerick man who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at age 42. 

James McCoy is from Newcastle West but has lived in Athlone, for the past eight years. He was diagnosed with MND in March 2025.

James’ friend Michael McGovern and sister, Mary Sheehan, organised a fundraiser for him on GoFundMe to help raise money for him and his family, namely his two young daughters, Róisín and Maebh, as they navigates his MND diagnosis.

So far, the public have donated over €31,200 for James, which he thanked them for profusely, for their generosity in an update video posted on June 9, saying: “You all are so special to me in my life”.

James grew up in Castleview in Newcastle West with his mother, Kay, father, Jimmy, brother Connie and sister Mary. 

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“It was just the three of us [siblings],” James said. He went to Courtenay Boys School and later, Desmond College and played hurling and football for a time for the schools teams.

“Our dad passed away last November, so when people heard my MND news, people said ‘oh my god, you’re not getting any break’. But you just have to stay positive because I think if you start thinking ‘this isn’t fair’, I think mentally, it would be a slippery slope.”

When it comes to James and how he has been since his diagnosis, he said: “I am still trying to process it. 

“Initially, when I got the news, it felt like being crushed. It was devastating. Having to make the call to my family after dad, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. 

“This morning, I was drinking coffee and it got caught in my throat. I have to think now whether this is an accident or MND, affecting my swallow. I have to try not to freak out. 

“The dexterity is very bad in my right hand, but the fastest progression is in my legs. It feels like I am walking in mud. Every day, I have to get up and see if I can stand up, and if I can, I’m like, OK, I can walk today. I have to try stay positive.”

MND is a fast-progressing disease and often requires specialised care, equipment, and support, all of which generally come with significant costs. 

“The donations which people are raising for James will help his family cover medical expenses, adaptive equipment, and everyday needs, giving James peace of mind to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with his two beautiful daughters, family and friends and cherishing every moment,” say organisers Michael, who James met where he works at a pharmaceutical company, and sister Mary.

Michael and Mary continued by saying that “every contribution big or small” to James’ fight against MND is “a step toward hope”. 

“It’s a testament to the power of community and compassion,” they said.  

“By supporting James, you're not just helping a man in his fight, you're standing with him, his family, and everyone affected by this disease.

“Together, we can make a difference. Let’s rally around James and his family, showing them they are not alone. Your generosity brings hope, comfort, and the knowledge that even in the face of adversity, love and community prevail.”