‘Run for a Life’ family fun run at Corkagh Park in Clondalkin Hundreds of people turned out for the Irish Kidney Association’s ‘Run for a Life’ family fun run at Corkagh Park in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 (on Saturday, 23rd May) in support of organ donation and to raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association. Several participants took part in the annual event to honour their organ donors and to celebrate the success and longevity of their transplants with some having taken place over three decades ago.
Young and old transplant recipients were joined by their families and friends in the event which celebrates the ‘gift of life’ and aims to raise awareness about the vital importance of organ donation and transplantation. The cause has particular significance for one Clondalkin family who have taken part in the event annually since it began seven years ago to honour the deceased donor who transformed their child’s life. Dermot and Liz Delany were joined at the fun run by their daughter Micheala (age 15) who will require a second kidney transplant as the donor kidney which she received when she was just two years old is now failing. Liz said, “Micheala was born with kidney disease and is living proof that organ donation is so important. Her first transplant gave her a chance to enjoy a normal childhood away from dialysis treatment and we are very grateful to her donor’s family who gave her this precious opportunity. Unfortunately her kidney function is failing again and she will require another transplant. We need more donors to give hope to Michaela and others who are awaiting transplants for a chance at life.” Taking part also was Jack O’ Brien (age 12) and his mother Cassandra from Navan, Co. Meath. They underwent a living donor kidney transplant ten years ago and they remain the youngest parent and child to take part in the transplant programme since it began at Temple Street Hospital in 2003 as Jack was just two years old and Cassandra was 20 at the time. Cassandra said, “I am so glad that I was able to help Jack by donating a kidney as for some other children living donation might not be an option available to them. Organ Donation really does transform and save lives. Without organ donation Jack might not be with us today.” One of the oldest transplant recipients to register for this year’s Run for a Life was 68 year old Philip Kavanagh from Arklow who received his liver transplant in 2008. Also taking part in the fun run with his family was kidney specialist Ron Grainger, an Urologist from Castleknock, who himself is also a kidney transplant recipient. Eddie Kehoe from Wexford and his wife Marie and children took part in the fun run as they are celebrating the 32nd anniversary of his successful kidney transplant which he received from a deceased donor when he was a newlywed at 23 years old. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of his living donor kidney transplant from his brother Frank is John Moran from Glasnevin, Dublin. John’s wife Angela and his daughter also took part in the run. Frank Greally, Editor of Irish Runner Magazine and Prof. Jim Egan, Director of Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland (ODTI) were among those supporting the event which is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Co. Ltd. Run for a Life Race Organiser, Colin White explained, “Our annual Run for a Life which is now in its seventh year is a great day out for all of the family. The Irish Kidney Association sees this event as a positive way to promote organ donor awareness. We are looking to encourage the public to think about it, talk about it and make a commitment to organ donation. The support of families who have been touched by organ failure in helping us to promote the event is very much appreciated. All of this is underpinned by the continued support of event sponsor, Astellas Pharma.” The event was open to the public who had the option of walking, jogging or running competitively in either a chip timed 2.5km, 5km or 10km distance. For more information on the event visit website www.runforalife.ie For organ donor cards Freetext DONOR to 50050 or visit website www.ika.ie/card It is also possible to download an organ donor card on smartphones by searching for ‘Donor ECard’ at the iphone store or Google Play Store. Your wishes to be an organ donor can also be included on the new format driving licence which is represented by Code 115.
