Almost €17,000 raised for kidney research

The recent participation in the Women's Mini Marathon by Kilcullen people under the direction of Phena Bermingham raised €16,775 for the Punchestown Kidney Research Association.

At a presentation of the proceeds in the Parish Centre, runner Christine Malone from the An Tearman coffee shop won a prize of a weekend away at any Jury's Hotel for her own fundraising efforts in the event. She raised an astonishing €1,200.

Phena said the success of the event was brought about by the volunteers, sponsors and the 'support of the community'.

"The money will be used to improve the lives of people
who are on dialysis," she told the Diary, adding that this will include providing art classes for people at dialysis centres in Tallaght and Waterford.

"We are now busy organising for next year. The most important message we must also make sure gets out is the continuing need for organ donors, as James Nolan emphasised at the presentation."

Brian Byrne.