Rory’s story

LAST year was a record breaker for organ transplantation in Ireland, with 294 carried out in Irish hospitals.The HSE’s annual report for transplant rates recorded 32 lung transplants, 11 heart transplants, 55 liver transplants, 11 pancreas and 185 kidney transplants. Each transplant was a life-changer for the recipient, and it’s all thanks to the generosity of families of deceased donors.One of those donors was Rory Doherty from Castleknock. His story, as told here by younger sister Ailbhe, highlights the importance of becoming a donor for both the recipients and for the donor’s family.__________________________

WHEN Rory was 19 he went into the bank with my mam to get a student loan. While he was there he saw that he could sign up to be an organ donor and he signed up without any hesitation.

Anyone who knew Rory would say that this was just like him; he was the type of person that given the opportunity would want to give others another chance in life. He was a man who really had the biggest heart.

Fast forward 14 years when Rory had a tragic accident in work and the decision he made as a teenager ended up giving others the ultimate gift.

When we were asked the question by the hospital about whether we would donate Rory’s organs we knew without doubt exactly what we would do. For a family it is a devastating moment because not only were we losing someone we love, but we were also losing a best friend, father, son, brother and partner.

There is no doubt that the pain was unbearable but knowing that this was what Rory would have wanted and that something so amazing and positive could come out of what had happened we said YES to donating his organs.

In 2013 there was 86 deceased organ donors and 294 transplants took place in Ireland. It makes me so incredibly proud to think that my brother was one of the 86 who gave this lifeline to others.

Rory saved five people’s lives. One recipient received his kidney and pancreas, the second received his other kidney, we know his liver went to the third recipient and both his lungs went to a young person and finally his lovely heart went to England.

The RAF jet touched down in Dublin airport for the first time in 20 years to take his heart to the recipient in England. I’m certain Rory would have loved that VIP treatment!

I always looked up to Rory, so many people did and I loved nothing more than being known as Dotsy’s little sister. Rory was such a unique character and so many people have said that it was a pity we couldn’t donate his funny bone!

He had the ability not only to make people laugh uncontrollably but also he knew how to put a smile on your face when you were feeling down. He cared about everyone. There are not enough words to describe just how proud I am of him, in life and in death – he was a legend!

I know it’s not something people want to think about and we never thought we would be faced with this but it gives us such comfort everyday knowing that Rory lives on and has played such a huge part in giving others another chance of life.

I now wouldn’t be without my donor card and I would urge everyone to sign up for one. You can get your donor card if you freetext Donor to 50050, on smartphones you can download the Organ Donor e-card or go onto www.ika.ie for more information.
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Run for Rory

THE inaugural Castleknock 5km road race will take place on Sunday July 13 and it will be run in memory of Rory Doherty.

Rory was a close friend of Marie Duffy of McCabe’s Pharmacy who is a big supporter of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Rory’s family have decided that money raised from the road race will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Marie is the new chairperson for the Cystic Fibrosis Ireland Dublin branch and is urging locals to sign up for the event and support a great cause in memory of Rory.

“Cystic Fibrosis Ireland a charity close to my heart as my little girl Grace suffers from this life threatening disease,

? she said.

“During this event we will also be raising awareness of the importance of Organ Donation.

“We plan to have upwards of 1,000 people taking part in the race and would love if you could support this charitable event by either taking part or maybe you might know someone that would like to take part.

“We are also looking for any donations to help fund the race or spot prizes for the participants for a raffle after the event.

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Marie can be contacted on 086-2371184 to organise delivery of any spot prizes. The bank account details for any donations are:

Account name:

Castleknock 5km

IBAN: IE28AIBK93251560260090

BIC : AIBKIE2D