Punchestown Charity Race jockeys visit renal unit

Photos: PKRF.

The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund had its annual visit to the Varty Renal Unit at Tallaght University Hospital yesterday. The 35th annual running of the PKRF Charity Race takes place on Saturday, 2 May, at the Punchestown National Hunt Racing Festival. 

Four of the PKRF Charity Race Jockeys (Alice Murphy, Kate O’Leary, Lydia Dodds and Cormac McEvoy) were in attendance. 

In a Dialysis Unit, they witnessed firsthand the challenges kidney patients face on a daily basis.

Kilcullen was also well represented as James and Emma Nolan, along with Sandra Wixtead, Owen Farrell and Nicky Egan, were also there.

"All the visitors were simply blown away with the trip to the Dialysis Unit," says James Nolan, "which gave them a great understanding of the hardship and the challenges that face kidney patients on a daily basis. 

The common comment from all the people on Dialysis was that they would give anything to be the recipient of a life-saving kidney transplant, which would enable them to return to a normal life and not have to visit the hospital three times a week for their life-saving treatments.

 Over €2 million has been raised through this Charity Race to date, and these funds have been invested in various projects to improve the quality of life for patients on Dialysis and to maximise the lifespan of those lucky enough to receive a life-saving kidney transplant.

In tandem with that, race organiser James Nolan emphasised the importance of having the discussion with your family and friends on the subject of Organ Donation. "It is so much easier if your family knows what your wishes are regarding organ donation, should anything happen to you,"  

James pointed out, saying that the main message behind the running of the Race was simply described best in the title of the race:

 “Have the conversation - say YES to Organ Donation”

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