Poignant memories revived as Plumbridge events promote organ transplant awareness
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Geraldine O’Neill, left, who donated a kidney to her brother, Leo, right, in 2002, is pictured at the launch of the Plumbridge charity five mile walk and dance in aid of the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund. GF0401CM
A CHARITY walk and dance to promote awareness of organ transplant and raise much needed funds for the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF) will be held in Plumbridge this weekend.
Poignantly, the two events, which have been organised by Plumbridge native, Geraldine O'Neill, will also mark the 10th anniversary of the saving of her brother's life.
In 2000, Leo Ward who is a long-distance lorry driver, suffered kidney failure and so began a prolonged battle with the illness. As a result, he endured regular, painful trips for dialysis at the Tyrone County Hospital.
Following two years of intense treatment, doctors delivered the dreaded news that unless a donor kidney could be found, Leo could die.
For Geraldine, the decision was a "no brainer" - if she was a match, she would donate one of her kidneys. Tests revealed that Geraldine - the eldest of the Ward family - was a perfect match for her younger brother, and the transplant was a huge success.
She says neither of them have looked back since and that Leo continues to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life as a result.
Very tough
“Leo was a very sick man who was having dialysis three times a week. He was a young man and it was very tough for him trying to juggle his hospital appointments with his illness.
“When we were told he needed a kidney transplant, I had no hesitation and told them to take one of mine - if it was a match. Following several tests, I was considered a match and the operation was arranged.
“We are a very close family so it was a no brainer for me, especially as Leo was the youngest. I was just so happy to be given the chance to do something positive for him.
“Thankfully everything went well with the operation and neither of us have looked back since. Leo still continues to go back for regular check-ups, but he is fit and healthy now."
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Geraldine revealed that the idea behind the fundraising is to raise awareness of the 'live' donor and to raise money for the NIKRF.
She said: "All the money raised from the events is going towards the charity to be distributed to renal facilities across Northern Ireland. It is a very worthwhile cause and I would encourage as many people as possible to come out and support it.
“It is also to make people aware that being a live donor is not as hard as it sounds. With it being the 10th anniversary of the transplant, we felt that we wanted to do something together as a family - to give a little back."
The charity walk is due to start at 11am on Sunday from Plumbridge Parochial Hall and will take in the village and the surrounding district, before returning to the hall for light refreshments. A registration fee of £5 per person or £10 per family will be charged.
On the previous evening a dance with music by Cascades has also been organised. It will get underway at 10.30pm with an admission fee of £5.
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