Ronnie's Story

Like many people, Ireland and Liverpool FC football legend Ronnie Whelan had no idea what Myasthenia Gravis was until the disease came knocking on the door of his home.  This is his story…

"I had no idea what Myasthenia Gravis was and no idea that my eldest daughter, Elizabeth, had MG when she became ill in 2005. It was only when it touched my family that we found out what it was, so I am really determined now to raise awareness about the disease here in Ireland and to try to alert people who may be suffering from it.

‘When Elizabeth became unwell, we had no idea what was wrong with her.  She was only 18, but she was tired all the time and even falling over.  We were saying she was lazy; we were even sending her to the gym, which is the worst thing you can do because the disease weakens the muscles.

‘The final straw came when she fell down the stairs in a nightclub 10 minutes after she had arrived there. People thought that she was drunk, but she just fell with weakness.

‘It’s the same for anyone with the disease – the muscles weaken.  Those with it can fall over for no reason.  We had no idea whatsoever, but – looking back on it now – there were signs, but we didn’t pick up on them, unfortunately.  There were times when she’d say ‘Look at my hand’ and her hand would be shaking, her fingers would be drooping.  When you look back at the pictures, the muscles had weakened in her face and her smile would hang down, but it’s difficult to pick up.

‘Elizabeth was eventually diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis when she was about to do her final school exams, and she had a major operation to remove the thymus gland, which is a gland behind the chest cavity.  That was major surgery and was a difficult time for the family.

‘The good news is that Elizabeth is now making progress in her battle with MG.  She is still on steroids, and – as yet – there is no known cure for the disease, so it’s about keeping it contained and controlled all the time.

‘The Myasthenia Gravis Association has been a huge support to my family during Elizabeth’s illness, so I am really determined now to raise awareness about MG and help families throughout Ireland to find out more about its symptoms and effects.  I will always be indebted to the MGA and I am proud to serve as the Association’s Patron.

 'I would urge everyone to find out more about Myasthenia Gravis, and to help the MGA in any way you can.  Through raising funds and awareness, we can help those affected by MG.  Ultimately, our support may even help doctors and researchers to find a cure.’

Ronnie Whelan hosts an annual celebrity golf classic in aid of the MGA.  He is also actively involved in the organisation’s public awareness campaign.

Pictured at a golf classic in aid of the MGA, held at the K Club in May 2007: Ronnie Whelan presenting a cheque of €10,000 to Karen Clancy, National Coordinator of the MGA, with Ronan Keating and Keith Johnston, sponsor of the golf classic.