Cork kidney donor gears up for charity cycle this weekend

The annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle event will return tomorrow, with one Cork kidney donor taking part to raise funds for vital services.

Marking four decades of dedication to supporting several worthy causes, including the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), the event was originally established by two Killarney stalwarts, Theresa Looney and Denis Geaney.

Having now raised close to €20 million for more than 170 charities, the group of cyclists taking part in the event this year include kidney transplant recipients, living donors, and their families.

Among the riders taking on the 170km journey is a team of nearly 50 cyclists flying the flag for the IKA, including Cork woman, Joan McDonald, who is a living kidney donor from Oysterhaven.

Ms McDonald generously gave a kidney to her sister Fiona nine months ago through the National Living Donor Renal Transplant Programme at Beaumont Hospital.

On her sponsored event donations page, Ms McDonald said: “As a living kidney donor, I am acutely aware of the importance of raising awareness for the life-saving value of kidney and organ donation.

“It is important to me to be continuously grateful for good health and body functionality when so many are less fortunate due to physical illness.

“Having a sister who has received the gift of life through organ donation, I am thrilled to be raising much-needed funds for such a worthwhile cause.” 

Following the event, volunteers cycling on behalf of the IKA will also enjoy a celebratory reception for friends and supporters of the organisation at the Shire Bar & Cafe in Killarney, where a raffle will take place, organised by the Kerry Branch of the IKA, featuring prizes to the value of €8,000.

The funds raised for the IKA will go towards essential services and supports for kidney patients and their families and carers, research, and raising awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.

For more information about the event or to make a donation, please visit the IKA website or to donate directly to Joan McDonald, visit: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/JoanMcDonald.