A BUNDORAN woman is taking on the VHI Mini Marathon tomorrow in support of a cause close to her heart.
Maria McLaughlin, 24, was inspired by her mother Amanda’s long battle with chronic kidney disease, now on haemodialysis at Sligo University Hospital.
Maria is supporting the Irish Kidney Association to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
Working as a healthcare assistant on a specialist nephrology ward at the same hospital her mother attends for dialysis, she sees firsthand the impact kidney disease has on people’s lives every day.
You can support Maria McLaughlin’s Fundraising Page on iDonate.ie.
More than 100 women from 22 counties will proudly represent the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon.
This comes just one week after Organ Donor Awareness Week which is organised by the IKA.
The women taking part are united by connections to kidney disease, organ failure or donation.
For some, the day is about giving back for the support the IKA provided during difficult times.
Others are running in honour of loved ones who have passed away from kidney failure, or to honour organ donors who have given them or a loved one the gift of life, while many are walking or jogging their first mini-marathon simply to soak up the incredible atmosphere alongside thousands of other women taking part.