Dr Colm Henry, from Cavan and Chief Clinical Officer at the HSE, will be cycling the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) today. Among others, Martin Malinowski from Castleblayney, Ireland's first heart and liver transplant patient, will be in attendance.
Dr Colm Henry, CCO, HSE
The annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle event returns this weekend, celebrating 40 years of dedication to supporting hundreds of worthy causes, including the kidney community it was originally founded to support. It will be commemorated.
Among the thousands of cyclists riding the 170km scenic route is a team of nearly 50 cyclists carrying the IKA flag and promoting the life-saving act of donating organs for transplant. This group includes kidney transplant patients, living donors and their families and is an inspiration to us all and is a great reflection of Ireland's wider kidney community.
Castleblayney resident Martin Malinowski, Ireland's first combined heart and liver transplant recipient, will don his cycling gear on his first Korean charity cycle. He is a shining example of the impact of organ donation for transplantation.
Dr. Colm Henry is also up for the challenge.
“I'm looking forward to cycling the Ring of Kerry. Although it's a challenging route, it's one of the most scenic and an important event on the Irish cycling calendar.” I'm cycling to support the great work that the Irish Kidney Society does for patients and their families. They play a vital role in raising awareness of organ donation and encouraging and supporting people to have conversations with their families about becoming organ donors. Organ donation has a profound impact on improving the quality of life of recipients and is a selfless act by donors and their families. ”
Those unable to attend in person can register and donate through the Virtual Cycle iDonate link on IKA's website page. www.ika.ie/ringofkerry.
The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Event, which currently raises nearly €20 million for over 170 charities and worthy causes, was originally founded by two Killarney stalwarts, Teresa Rooney and Dennis.・Founded by Genie, it began collecting funds for the construction of a dialysis center. In Tralee.
At the time, patients in County Kerry had to travel to Cork for treatment as there were no local treatment centres.
Teresa's husband, Pat Rooney, took part in his first cycling competition and now, 40 years later, he is trying it out again.
Teresa Rooney, founding member of ROKCC and president of the Kerry IKA branch, said, “We are so happy to have such a great turnout this year.''
“Their stories of generosity and resilience highlight the importance of our mission and the incredible difference organ donation makes.”
Click here for event details and to donate. www.ika.ie/ringofkerry
