THE husband of a Falcarragh woman who underwent a kidney transplant which changed her life, will next Wednesday begin a 240 km cycle across Ireland, while towing a dialysis machine, to raise money for the Irish Kidney Association.
Peter Conboy from Ballygar in County Galway is married to Liz Ferry who developed chronic kidney disease at the age of 13.
Liz became a patient at Temple Street Children’s Hospital and endured peritoneal dialysis at home for six nights a week, for eleven hours at a time, until a donor kidney became available less than a year later.
She underwent her life-changing kidney transplant at Beaumont Hospital in May 2002.
Next Wednesday Peter will commence his Cycle of Life across the country from Temple Street Hospital and finishing at the National Commemorative Garden for organ donors in Salthill, Galway.
Along the way, he’ll be stopping off in the towns of Maynooth, Mullingar, Athlone, Ballinasloe, and Loughrea to rally support for his cause before the final leg of his journey, from Loughrea to Galway on August 4.
Unlike other long-distance charity rides, the Galway native will tow a dialysis machine, supplied by B. Braun, symbolising the journey of patients on dialysis towards the hope of a life-saving transplant.
Peter’s arrival at the symbolic Garden in Salthill is his way of honouring the family of Liz’s donor, who made the admirable decision to donate their loved one’s organs 22 years ago, granting Liz a successful and long-lasting kidney transplant.
“This was the first chapter in a new life for Liz, enabling her to complete her college degree, travel the world, marry me, and enjoy life to the full. None of this would have been possible without the selfless decision made by her donor’s family. We are eternally grateful,” Peter explained.
Speaking in advance of her husband’s marathon cycle, Liz said: “As a young teenager, facing an uncertain future with chronic renal disease was incredibly tough. My confidence was shaken, and I often wondered what my future would hold.
“The gift of a donor’s kidney gave me a future that most people take for granted. It allowed me to meet the love of my life and share a wonderful life with Peter.”
This extraordinary endeavour aims to raise awareness and funds (through Peter’s iDonate Cycle of Life) for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) and trigger conversations about the critical importance of organ donation. www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/cycleoflife
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