Corkagh Park to host ‘Run for a Life’ family fun event
By William O'Connor
A young boy who has been receiving dialysis treatment since he was four and a half months old stepped out with his family the day before his 5th birthday for a photocall to encourage the public to take part in the Irish Kidney Association’s ‘Run for a Life’ family fun run which will take place at Corkagh Park, Clondalkin, on Saturday, May 25.
Sam Kinahan (5) and his older sister Ali (age 8) and their parents Chloe and Ivan from Baldoyle, Dublin 13 were joined by Susan Mulligan from Castlerea in Roscommon, who is also waiting for a kidney transplant, at the Phoenix Park for the photocall on Tuesday to promote the upcoming Run for a Life family fun run which aims to raise awareness about the plight of people in organ failure and the life saving importance of organ donation and transplantation.
Irish Kidney Association National Projects Manager, Colin White with Dialysis patient Susan Mulligan at the launch on Tuesday.
Ray D’Arcy, the national ambassador for organ donor awareness 2019, will take part in the ‘Run for a Life’ family fun run on May 25. The event which is a celebration of life attracts over 500 participants annually. It is open to people of all ages and levels of fitness who can choose to walk, jog or run in the chip timed event, which offers prizes for winners in a choice of 2.5km, 5km and 10km distances.
Colin White, Race Manager and National Projects Manager of the Irish Kidney Association said, “Sam and Susan are shining examples of positivity as they await organ transplants. They are among more than 550 people in Ireland on waiting lists for all organ transplants including heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas, and they are just two of over 2,100 people from throughout the country with end stage kidney failure who are undergoing dialysis treatment to keep them alive.
“This will be the 11th annual Run for a Life event which has developed a loyal following over the years and has become a strong platform for the promotion of organ donor awareness. We are looking forward to another successful event on May 25th which offers a great day out for all the family. Over 500 participants from throughout Ireland took part in last year’s event and we are optimistic for another great turnout this year”.
The Run for a Life Entry fee is €20 adult, €10 child and €45 for a family of up to 2 adults and up to 4 children. All finishers will receive a medal and entry fee also includes soup and sandwiches. For more information on the event visit website www.runforalife.ie
