Total raised in 2022 Punchestown kidney charity race a record

Winning jockey Camilla Sharples and Amir Kabir.

The final total raised in the 2022 'Have the Conversation – Say YES to Organ Donation' Punchestown Charity Race held last April came to €115,502, writes Brian Byrne.

This brings the cumulative total in 31 years of running the race by the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund to €1,702,677, which is described by PKRF's founder and Director James Nolan as 'absolutely incredible'.

The race had been resumed after two years without being run because of the pandemic, and the €93,576 raised by the amateur jockeys was a record for the event.

In addition, James Nolan notes that Leinster & Ireland rugby player James Tracy raised an additional €21,926 from his February Freezebury Challenge.

"It was quite simply a phenomenal year for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund," he says, expressing his thanks to everyone who has contributed to the PKRF in any small way at all. "This has helped us to support various projects which, in turn improves the quality of life for those patients living with kidney illness and also helps us to create positive Organ Donor Awareness in Ireland."

During the past year the PKRF the following projects:

• A pilot Peer Support Programme for all kidney patients in Ireland, offering vital supports to kidney patients and their families.

• Establishing the James Tracy/Kidney Beam Exercise program for all Dialysis and Transplant patients, which will enable all patients to access free, online, live and on demand exercise classes, specifically tailored to all different levels of fitness and specifically for kidney patients.

• Continued research into Polycystic Kidney Disease in partnership with the Irish Nephrology Society under the guidance of the Irish Research Council.

• Continued our support for the Art Therapy programs for Dialysis Patients in Tallaght and Waterford Dialysis Units.

• Continued our support for the Sports Programme for Dialysis and Transplant Patients.

• Organisation of a trip to Lourdes for one young Dialysis patient and a carer.

This year's race was won by Camilla Sharples on Amir Kabir, edging out home favourite Leona Hughes on Barbados in a thrilling finish.

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