On Wednesday 23rd of May the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund were invited to visit the Vartry Renal Dialysis Unit in Tallaght University Hospital. Conor O’Neill, manager of Punchestown Racecourse and Richie Galway Director of Racing at Punchestown Racecourse were given a tour of The Hospital Dialysis unit .They were joined by PKRF Chairman James Nolan and PKRF Charity Race jockeys - Ella Budds, Sarah Costelloe , Sara Leahy and Robert Harrison.
The morning was hosted by Ali Baker Kerrigan who looks after the State Man Arts Therapy program in The Hospital. All the visitors were amazed at the way a Dialysis Unit operates and had huge respect for all the patients who have to endure their Dialysis treatments to stay alive.
In essence we were told about the direct benefits to Kidney Patients from the State Man Arts therapy program. Apart from learning how to paint whilst on Dialysis there are a number of other ways this program helps patients pass the time whilst on Dialysis. This includes a soothing sounds program where Dr Mary Louise O’ Donnell plays soothing music in the Dialysis Unit.
Richie Galway, Director of Racing at Punchestown Racecourse showed his hidden talents by playing a tune on the Harp on the Dialysis Unit yesterday.
The 34th running of the PKRF Charity Race takes place on Saturday 3rd May at the Punchestown Festival in Co. Kildare. PKRF founder, James Nolan expects the Charity to surpass the €2 Million mark as funds raised to date from this PKRF event.
The title name of the Charity Race says it all - “Have the conversation -Say Yes to Organ Donation “
