Just nine months after her life changing kidney transplant, Regina Hennelly, from Manulla, Co Mayo, will pay tribute to her deceased donor by taking part in the Irish Kidney Association’s Run for a Life. Regina will participate in the charity fundraiser which promotes organ donation and will take place at Park West Business Park, Dublin 12, on Saturday, October 13 commencing 12 noon.
Speaking in advance of Run for a Life Regina Hennelly said: “For so long, it was all about what my body couldn't do and how it was failing - being able to exercise and push myself again is the greatest joy of my new life. The energy to walk and run miles was something I missed when I was on dialysis, but it has gradually come back to me since my transplant nine months ago.
“The Run for Life is a really special and unique event. Jogging alongside others who have received hearts and lungs, livers and kidneys - it is the best tribute we could ever pay to our donors who allowed us to live again.”
Run for a Life is organised by the Irish Kidney Association and the main sponsor for the event is pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma Co Ltd. It will coincide with European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation which takes place on the same day.
Those signing up for the Run for a Life will have the option of walking, jogging, or running competitively in a 3.4km, 6.7km, or 10km event in Park West, Dublin 12, commencing at 12 noon. There will also be an option, for the first time this year, to enter a team of three in a three x 3.3km Team Relay Race. The choice of events on offer makes it possible for all people, young and old, with varying levels of fitness to take part.
A large number of the members of the successful Irish team who participated in the European Transplant and Dialysis Games in Croatia in August will take part in the fun run to play their part in raising organ donor awareness.
The Run for a Life has two main objectives: Namely, to promote the organ donor card by raising awareness of the value and success of organ donation and transplantation and to raise funds to support the Irish Kidney Association in its on-going work.
For more information on European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation visit http://www.edqm.eu/en/European-day-for-organ-donation-1223.html
