Declan Walsh
Declan Walsh was the founder and CEO of the charity
Declan decided to set up the charity following his wifes, Natalie, tragic diagnosis with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in 2010. He devoted a huge amount of time and energy to getting The Neurology Centre up and running. Following the refurbishment of Molloway House in March 2020, the opening was delayed due to the outbreak of the Covid pandemic.
Tragically, Declan passed away in September 2021 following a short illness.
He has left a wonderful legacy for the people of the North West and beyond, and his determination and focus will have a beneficial impact on those impacted by neurological conditions for many years to come.
Dr. Natalie Murphy
Dr. Natalie Murphy grew up in Carlow, but moved to Sligo as a teenager and studied for her Leaving Cert at Ursuline College, Sligo.
Natalie was working in Dublin when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2001. After a couple of years and several relapses, Natalie could no longer work. In 2006, she began a relatively new drug treatment, which resulted in a period of remission leading to increased mobility, reduced fatigue and an ability to commence work from home again.
However, after three years, Natalie felt that an attack was imminent. Under the drug programme protocol, she had to be tested for PML, a known but extremely rare neurological condition. After an initial negative first test, the second test came back positive. This degenerative and tragic diagnosis has ultimately resulted in her requiring full-time care in St John’s Hospital, Sligo.
Declan Walsh
Declan Walsh was the founder and CEO of the charity
Declan decided to set up the charity following his wifes, Natalie, tragic diagnosis with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in 2010. He devoted a huge amount of time and energy to getting The Neurology Centre up and running. Following the refurbishment of Molloway House in March 2020, the opening was delayed due to the outbreak of the Covid pandemic.
Tragically, Declan passed away in September 2021 following a short illness.
He has left a wonderful legacy for the people of the North West and beyond, and his determination and focus will have a beneficial impact on those impacted by neurological conditions for many years to come.
Dr. Natalie Murphy grew up in Carlow, but moved to Sligo as a teenager and studied for her Leaving Cert at Ursuline College, Sligo.
Natalie was working in Dublin when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2001. After a couple of years and several relapses, Natalie could no longer work. In 2006, she began a relatively new drug treatment, which resulted in a period of remission leading to increased mobility, reduced fatigue and an ability to commence work from home again.
However, after three years, Natalie felt that an attack was imminent. Under the drug programme protocol, she had to be tested for PML, a known but extremely rare neurological condition. After an initial negative first test, the second test came back positive. This degenerative and tragic diagnosis has ultimately resulted in her requiring full-time care in St John’s Hospital, Sligo.
Study and career
Natalie studied Pharmacology at Kings College in London, and went on to study at the Royal College of Surgeons and obtain a PhD. in Pharmacology from UCD. After some years in the corporate sector, she returned to her passion and drive for excellence in the research world in 2002.
Following her MS diagnosis, Natalie and Declan relocated to Sligo where she was a driving force behind the establishment of the Research and Education Foundation at Sligo University Hospital, and also lectured in the School of Science at IT Sligo. She was passionate about developing strong links between the hospital and the IT, believing that the combination of clinical and accademic expertise could stimulate the development of a vibrant research community in the NorthWest.
Natalie’s academic and career background has underpinned an emphasis on research at the Neurology Support Centre, and we have now launched a Postgraduate Bursury at IT Sligo. In collaboration with the IT, we will sponsor a 2 year M. Sc. research project in an agreed area of neurology.
Study and career
Natalie studied Pharmacology at Kings College in London, and went on to study at the Royal College of Surgeons and obtain a PhD. in Pharmacology from UCD. After some years in the corporate sector, she returned to her passion and drive for excellence in the research world in 2002.
Following her MS diagnosis, Natalie and Declan relocated to Sligo where she was a driving force behind the establishment of the Research and Education Foundation at Sligo University Hospital, and also lectured in the School of Science at IT Sligo. She was passionate about developing strong links between the hospital and the IT, believing that the combination of clinical and accademic expertise could stimulate the development of a vibrant research community in the NorthWest.
Natalie’s academic and career background has underpinned an emphasis on research at the Neurology Support Centre, and we have now launched a Postgraduate Bursury at IT Sligo. In collaboration with the IT, we will sponsor a 2 year M. Sc. research project in an agreed area of neurology.
The Neurology Support Centre
Through their experience of Natalie’s diagnosis and illness, she and Declan developed a desire to provide practical support and information to patients and families affected by neurological conditions.
With this in mind, Declan founded the Northwest Neurological Institute in 2013 with funding received from a major pharmaceutical company.
Its strategic aims are the provision of:
- Patient and family support
- Education and Information
- Research and Training
- Clinics
The Neurology Support Centre
Through their experience of Natalie’s diagnosis and illness, she and Declan developed a desire to provide practical support and information to patients and families affected by neurological conditions.
With this in mind, Declan founded the Northwest Neurological Institute in 2013 with funding received from a major pharmaceutical company.
Its strategic aims are the provision of:
- Patient and family support
- Education and Information
- Research and Training
- Clinics