Mini Marathon cheque handed over

A cheque for 19,000 euros was handed over last night to James Nolan for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund.



The money was the sponsorship proceeds from the Kilcullen Mini Marathon group which walked the event for the charity, founded by James.

Among the uses to which the money is put are two art programmes in the Dialysis Units of Tallaght and Waterford Hospitals.

Walk organiser Phena Bermingham welcomed many of the participants to the presentation event in the Parish Centre and thanked all involved for their efforts, and particularly their family members who had encouraged them in their training and their sponsorship drive.

Accepting the cheque, James Nolan expressed his heartfelt graditude to all who had worked so hard 'to raise a phenomenal amount of money'.

"There are so many worthwhile charities out there," he said, "but for two years running you have supported our fund, and I'm so grateful to you for that."

He recalled being at the finish of the Mini Marathon to see the Kilcullen group come in, and commented on the 'tremendous' atmosphere there. "It was really, really special. And I was really chuffed to see our kidney t-shirts there, really proud."

To illustrate how important the kidney research is, he recounted how a couple of weeks ago he had met a man in the Dialysis Unit waiting room in Tallaght Hospital whom he had first met 21 years ago when James had gone on dialysis himself.

"There I was, fortunate to have had a donated kidney, and 21 years later he was still on dialysis," he said. "It is things like that which put the whole matter into perspective."

He said the lives of the people who were on dialysis had been 'hugely' improved by the work which the local group had done. "That they get three hours of pleasure from the painting sessions is hugely beneficial."

Lorraine Hegarty-Kelly gave a short talk detailing a visit which a group of the fundraisers had made to Tallaght to see the art therapy class in action.

Afterwards, bouquets were presented to Lorraine and to Phena in appreciation for their work in organising the walk, and to Teresa meaney who had completed her 19th Mini Marathon.

There was also a raffle which gave prizes to a number of the participants.



Brian Byrne.