Family fun run aims to celebrate life

THE Irish Kidney Association (IKA) is encouraging the public to celebrate life by taking part in a major charity event.

Run for a Life will take place at Park West Business Park, South Dublin, on Saturday, October 13.

The family fun run, which celebrates life and is organised by the IKA, will coincide with European Day for Organ Donation & Transplantation.

People signing up for Run for a Life will have the option of walking, jogging or running competitively in either a 3.4km, 6.7km or 10km event. The event will begin at 12noon.

For the first time in the event’s history, there will also be an option to enter a team of three in a 3×3.3km team relay race.

The choice of events makes it possible for all people, young and old and with varying levels of fitness to participate.

The Prendergast family from Santry Avenue will be among those taking part.

Paul Prendergast, a kidney transplant recipient, and his wife Rose will walk the 10k route, along with some of their 13 children, including Elaine (28), Jude (40) and Jude’s two-year-old son Oisin.

After suffering over 20 years of ill health with kidney problems including over three years’ dialysis treatment, Paul has embraced life since his transplant which he received in 1999. Paul and Rose have 18 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

The couple travelled to Croatia in August where Paul participated in the European Transplant & Dialysis Games.

Race organiser Colin White, from Balbriggan, said the Irish Kidney Assocation is delighted to be hosting the event again.

“We are looking to build on the community of runners, joggers and walkers, from previous years,

? stated Mr White.

“Run for a Life showcases the success of organ donation and transplantation and is open to all members of the public.

“We encourage the general public to join us on October 13 and make a commitment to organ donation and demonstrate solidarity through participation in this fun family event.

?

The main sponsor for the event is pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma Co. Ltd.

Its sales and marketing director, Stephen Joyce, said:

“Astellas is proud to be once again partnering with the Irish Kidney Association in Run for a Life 2012.

“Astellas is committed to changing tomorrow for patients in Ireland.

“Raising awareness for organ donation has the potential to really change outcomes for people on transplant waiting lists. We look forward to taking part in what should be a fun day for all.

?

A large number of the successful Irish team who participated in the European Transplant & Dialysis Games will take part in the fun run to play their part in raising organ donor awareness.

Registration (to include t-shirt and participant medal, as well as soup and a sandwich afterwards) will be $15 for adults and $10 per child and a family of two adults and up to four children can register for $35.

Teams of three adults 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