PKRF Jockeys visit Vartry Renal Unit in Tallaght University Hospital
PKRF Jockeys and Volunteers visit Tallaght University Hospital
The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund had its annual visit to the Vartry Renal Unit at Tallaght University Hospital last Wednesday, April !5th.
Four of the PKRF Charity Race Jockeys - Alice Murphy, Kate O’ Leary, Lydia Dodds and Cormac McEvoy were all in attendance.
They got to visit a Dialysis Unit to witness firsthand the challenges Kidney patients face on a daily basis.
Also in attendance was James and Emma Nolan along with Sandra Wixted, Owen Farrell and Nicky Egan, volunteers and supporters of our great charity.
All the visitors were simply blown away with the trip to the Dialysis Unit which gave them a fantastic insight and a great understanding of the hardship and the challenges that face Kidney patients on a daily basis.
The one common comment from the people on Dialysis that we spoke to today 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 to have to visit the Hospital three times a week for their life-saving Dialysis treatments.
The 35th annual running of the PKRF Charity Race takes place on Saturday, the 2nd of May at the Punchestown National Hunt Racing Festival.
Over €2 Million Euro has been raised through this Charity Race to date and these funds have been invested in various Kidney related projects to improve the quality of life for patients on Dialysis and projects which aim to maximise the lifespan of those lucky enough to receive a life-saving Kidney Transplant.
In tandem with that Kidney Transplant recipient and PKRF 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 that the main message behind the running of the Race was simply described best in the title name of the Race:
“ Have the conversation - say YES to Organ Donation”
