A Cork-based community mental health nurse whose friend had to return to dialysis this year after her first kidney transplant failed, is a Mammoth Cycling Challenge from Paris to raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association It is set to challenge.
Bar Downey, a Westmeath native who currently lives in Clonakilty, will take on a self-funded 750km charity cycle next week, traveling from the French capital to the city of Nice.
The Paris2nice cycle takes place over six days and closes with Nice's iconic Promenade Des Anglei.
BER is among the other 50 cyclists, each participating in their own important causes.
She is taking on an incredible journey to raise awareness of the importance of kidney donations with Kidney Disease and all funds donated to the Irish Kidney Association.
Her motivation is to support her best friend Fiona O'Donnell, who returned to dialysis in January after her first kidney transplant – received from another close friend seven years ago – unfortunately failed.
Fiona successfully had a living donor kidney transplant in November 2017 thanks to her best friend Grain O'Keefe.
Just seven months after the implant surgery, BER joined Fiona and Grain, and the trio conquered the triathlon together.
However, Fiona's return to dialysis in January this year rekindled the urgency to raise awareness about organ donation.
Four years ago, Ber's personal battle with breast cancer added a new layer of meaning to this challenge.
“This victory fills me with gratitude, but it also means I am not able to take the test for my life donation.
Deeply moved by her friend's dedication, Fiona expressed her gratitude.
Donate to BER's fundraiser visit www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/berdowney
