Cavan native and Monaghan transplant recipient among those taking on 'Ring of Kerry' charity cycle
Cavan native, Dr Colm Henry, the chief clinical officer of the HSE, will cycle the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle today for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA). Among others, he will be joined by Martin Malinowski from Castleblayney, Ireland’s first heart and liver transplant recipient.
This weekend, the annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle event returns, marking four decades of dedication to supporting hundreds of worthy causes including the kidney community it was originally established to support.
Among the thousands of cyclists taking on the 170km scenic route are a team of nearly 50 cyclists who will fly the flag for the IKA and to promote the lifesaving act of organ donation for transplantation. The group includes kidney transplant recipients, living donors, and their families, an inspiration to us all and a great reflection of the wider kidney community in Ireland.
Ireland’s first combined heart and liver transplant recipient, Martin Malinowski from Castleblayney, will be donning his cycling gear for his first ever ROK Charity Cycle. He is a shining example of the impact of organ donation for transplantation.
Also taking on the challenge is Dr Colm Henry.
He said: “I’m looking forward to the Ring of Kerry Cycle as while a challenging route, it’s one of the most scenic routes and it’s a significant event in the Irish cycling calendar. I’m cycling for the Irish Kidney Association to support the fantastic work they do for patients and their families. They play a vital role in raising awareness of organ donation, encouraging and supporting people to have the conversation with their family to become organ donors. Organ donation has a significant impact on improving the quality of life for recipients and is a selfless act by those who donate and their families.”
For those who can't join in person, you can register and contribute through the IKA’s Virtual Cycle iDonate link on its website page www.ika.ie/ringofkerry.
The Ring of Kerry Charity cycle event, which has now raised close to €20 million for more than 170 charities and worthy causes, was initially founded by two Killarney stalwarts, Theresa Looney and Denis Geaney, who set about raising funds to build a dialysis centre in Tralee.
At that time Kerry patients had to travel to Cork for their treatment in the absence of a local treatment centre.
Theresa's husband Pat Looney cycled in the inaugural cycle and now four decades later will once again take on the challenge.
"We are thrilled to see such a remarkable group of participants this year", said ROKCC founding member and Kerry IKA branch representative Theresa Looney.
"Their stories of generosity and resilience highlight the importance of our mission and the incredible difference that organ donation can make."
For more information about the event or to make a donation, please visit www.ika.ie/ringofkerry