Posted online: Sep 23rd, 2009

By Carmen Bryce
Repor ter
BIG HEARTED runners from across Kildare ran the gruel- ling distance to Blessington last weekend to take part in a char- ity event to inaugural Run for a Life in aid of the organ trans- plant units at Beaumont, St Vin- cent’s and Mater hospitals.
The fun run in which over 150 people took part had a life sav- ing theme; for people to carry an organ donor card. Last year, 224 organ transplants took place in Irish hospitals, but the demand for organs still greatly outnumbers suitable donors available. Over 600 white bal- loons were released as part of the event, each balloon repre- senting a patient awaiting an organ transplant in Ireland.
Speaking about the event, one of Ireland’s leading consultants in Nephrology and Renal Trans- plantation, Professor Peter Conlon from Beaumont Hospital said: “Run for a Life is greatly welcomed by the medical community and shows a commitment to medical research and trans- plant education in Ireland. We hope people around the country are inspired by this event to think about organ donation, speak to their family about it and consider
carrying a donor card’. Patricia Kelly, General Man-
ager, Astellas Pharma Co. Ltd, and fun run organiser, said: “Last year, 224 organ trans- plants took place in Irish hospi- tals, but the demand for organs still greatly outnumbers suit- able donors available. There are more than 600 people on the organ transplant waiting list. All funds raised will be used to help improve the lives of transplant patients from all over Ireland This is also an appeal to the public to carry an organ donor card and to talk to family and friends about organ donation.”
Astellas manufactures drugs used in the area of organ trans- plantation and employs over 400 people in the Republic of Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Mulhaddart, Co. Dub- lin and Killorglin, Co. Kerry.
Jonathan Craig, 27, had a life changing kidney transplant op-
eration performed in Beaumont Hospital in 2004. Speaking at the Run for a Life fun run, he said: “Any event that raises the issues of organ donation for transplant is hugely important. My life was saved by the trans- plant and without the generous decision made by my donor I would probably not be here today. Since my transplant I feel like a new person-I am fitter, have improved stamina and concentration. I’ve since gotten engaged and I’m getting mar- ried next year! I cherish every day knowing how fragile life re- ally is. It is truly wonderful to be given a second chance of life, if only others knew how one’s life can be changed through organ donation.
“We hope to make Run for a Life an annual affair, getting bigger and bolder each year,” added Ms. Kelly. “We are ex- tremely grateful to those who
showed up today to help raise funds and awareness for organ donation.”
Those interested in ap- plying for an organ donor card can simply FREETEXT the word DONOR to 50050. To learn more about organ donation, contact the Irish Kidney Association on 01 62 05 306 or e-mail info@ ika.ie.