Mini Marathon presentation

The 2009 Ladies Mini Marathon team in aid of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund presentated a €17,500 cheque to James Nolan, chairman of the charity, on Tuesday night.

James thanked all the ladies and their sponsors. It was a very generous amount, especially in the current recession.

Sonia Tracey from Newbridge gave a moving and informative account of her struggle with a life of dialysis and the difficulty of getting well enough to go on the transplant list. On September 4 she got on that list and is now waiting for a kidney.

Padraig Maloney, from Kilcullen is awaiting home dialysis.

Sonia, Padraig and James appealed for organ donors. Many of us would have heard the discussion last week on Joe Duffy's 'Liveline'. Having taken the decision to be an organ donor it's necessary to make family aware, fill in a donor card or tick the relevant box on your Driving Licence.

The need is great. Our fundraiser got wonderful support. We thank all who donated or helped in any way. Kilcullen Credit Union, James and all the staff in Nolans, Vivienne and Valerie at the Parish Centre, Brian Byrne of the Kilcullen Diary and The Kildare Nationalist, Frances Clare of The Bridge, Kay Byrne of the Kildare Nationalist, Michelle Hourihane from the Leinster Leader, the group who served the meal after the race, Dermot Mitchell, and James Nolan, who provided the food.

Last but not least, the wonderful ladies who gave up their day to do the mini marathon for a local charity deserve a huge 'thank you'.

Phena Bermingham.