Kidney dialysis toddler launches fun run

A BRAVE little boy is leading the charge for an important fun run taking place on the Southside later this month.

Tadhg McElroy, who is not even two-years-of-age, is a kidney dialysis patient from Bray.

Along with his parents Terry and Clidhna, Tadhg took part in the recent launch of the Irish Kidney Association’s

‘Run for a Life’, which takes place at the Park West Business Park in Dublin 12 on Sunday, September 15.

Tadhg helped launch the event with RTE Sports presenters Evanne Ní Chuilinn and Jacqui Hurley.

All members of the public, young and old, are encouraged to demonstrate their support of organ donation by taking part in the charity fundraiser, which is sponsored by Astellas.

Since Tadhg was just six-months-old he has been receiving haemodialysis treatment at the Children’s University Hospital Temple Street.

He will eventually require a kidney transplant.

His mother, Clidhna, who hopes to be a suitable living donor for her only child, said kidney failure means that life revolves around hospital and it affects the whole extended family.

“Run for a Life is a fun way for all of our family, including my mother Olive and sister Orla and her four children, to take part and raise awareness around such a serious cause,

? she said.

“We also see it as a great opportunity to celebrate Tadgh’s life and his second birthday which will take place on the same weekend.

?

In explaining her ambassador role in Run for a Life, Jacqui Hurley said she was delighted to play her part in helping to raise awareness about the plight of people with organ failure.

“This is a great way for the public to support this worthy cause and save lives,

? she added.

And presenter Evanne Ní Chuilinn, who is due to be married soon, said: “As a mother of a young son, I can appreciate how a sick child or family member impacts on all the family.

“Organ donation touches so many lives in such a positive way. I would encourage people to support the Run for a Life event.

?

People signing up for Run for a Life will have the option of walking, jogging or running competitively in either a time chipped 2.5km, 5km or 10km event commencing at 12 noon.

There will also be an option to enter a team of four in a 4 x 2.5km Team Relay Race. The choice of events on offer makes it possible for all people, young and old, with varying levels of fitness to take part.

Race organiser Colin White explained:

“Our annual Run for a Life is a great day out for all of the family. We are inviting the public to join us in a celebration of life through sport.

?

He added:

“The Irish kidney Association sees this event as a positive way to promote organ donor awareness. We are looking to encourage the public to think about it, talk about it and make a commitment to organ donation.

?

Registration will be

?¬15 for adults and

?¬10 per child. A family of two adults and up to four children can register for

?¬35.

Teams of four adults can register for

?¬55. For registration and further details log onto www.runforalife.ie