RTÃ? reporter
Vivienne Traynor, from Skerries, had planned to take part in the Irish Kidney
Association’s
‘Run for a Life’ this year to highlight organ donor awareness.
However,
Vivienne, who donated a kidney to her nephew just over two years ago, found the
date of this year’s run – Sunday, October 23 – clashed with another important
event, the same day she is due to give birth to her baby!
Keen to support
the event however, she enlisted the help of her husband, RTÃ? Sports News
presenter Justin Treacy. Justin is planning to take part in the Fun Run if he
is not needed in the labour ward that day.
Last week,
Vivienne and Justin met athletes from the Irish Transplant team at the ALSAA
Sports Complex, Dublin Airport.
Donating a
kidney two years ago has proved no barrier to having a fourth child for
Vivienne.
“One additional
check up with my nephrologist was the only requirement,
? she explained.
The transplant
of her kidney to her nephew, Martin, has been a huge success for both donor and
recipient.
“Justin was
hugely supportive around the time of the kidney donation and he had no
hesitation in stepping in for me to take part in the run,
? Vivienne added.
‘Run for A Life’
coincides with the European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation.
The European
campaign aims to highlight the increasing need for organ transplants across
Europe.
Those
participating in the Fun Run will have the option of walking, jogging or
running competitively in either a 3.4km, 6.7km or 10km event in Park West,
Dublin 12, commencing at 12noon.
The day is open
to all members of the general public. There will also be an option to enter a
team of three in a 3×3.3km Team Relay Race.
Balbriggan man
Colin White, race organiser, said:
?
‘Run for a Life’ is about celebrating organ
donation, showcasing the success of transplantation and encouraging the public
to play their part by carrying an organ donor card.
“Vivienne
Traynor and Justin Treacy’s support of the Fun Run is a fantastic way to
demonstrate solidarity in support of the
‘Gift of Life’ and I would encourage
everyone to join them in making a commitment to make a difference.
“The choice of
events on offer makes it possible for all people, young and old, with varying
levels of fitness to take part.
?
A large number
of the successful Irish team, including its junior members, who participated in
the World Transplant Games in Gothenburg earlier this year, will take part in
the event to play their part in raising organ donor awareness.
Pharmaceutical
company Astellas Pharma Co is the main sponsor of the run. Its sales and
marketing director, Stephen Joyce, said they were delighted to be partnering
the Irish Kidney Association in the event.
“Astellas is
committed to raising awareness for organ donation,
? he said.
All proceeds
raised from this charity event will go to the Irish Kidney Association, the
patients’ organisation charged with the promotion and distribution of the organ
donor card in Ireland.
Registration (to
include t-shirt and participant medal) will be e15 for adults and
?¬10 per child
and a family of two adults and up to four children can register for
?¬35.
Teams of three
participants entering for the relay can register for
?¬40. For registration and
further details visit www.runforalife.ie
?¢ For organ
donor cards Freetext DONOR to 50050 or LoCall 1890 543639