COLIN JACKSON ANNOUNCED AS WALK FOR LIFE AMBASSADOR
Welsh sport legend Colin Jackson is this year’s Walk for Life Ambassador following in the footsteps of Sian Lloyd and Jonah Lomu.
The former 110m hurdle world champion met patients at Cardiff’s Children’s Kidney Unit as part of a special launch for this year’s fundraising event, which is organised by the Kidney Wales Foundation.
Last year fundraisers across Wales organised 32 walks raising a record-breaking £80,000 to help support vital kidney services at the University Hospital for Wales.
Since then more than £30,000 has been donated by the charity to the Children’s Kidney Unit to fund specialist staff to help children affected by kidney failure, as well as game stations, TVs and educational toys. The Institute of Nephrology has also received funding to help support its research programme based at the hospital.
This year the charity hopes to raise £100,000 and already more than 30 walks have been organised by volunteers throughout Wales from Almwch in North Wales to Barry in the south. Nearly all the walks will take place on March 30, including one in Cardiff Bay.
Colin, who won two gold world championship medals and Olympic silver, is urging people across Wales to don their trainers on March 30 and take part in their local Walk for Life to help raise money for the charity.
“Meeting the children at the University Hospital for Wales made me realise just how important the Kidney Wales Foundation’s work is in Wales,” said Colin.
“Kidney Wales raises vital funds that help transform hundreds of lives every year. But this is only through the support and generosity of fundraisers and supporters. That is why the support of the people of Wales is so important and why I’m very proud and honoured to be the Ambassador for such a worthy cause as the Walk for Life.
“There are more than 30 walks talking place throughout Wales so there’s lots of opportunities for people to take part. And if there isn’t one near you then why not organise a walk yourself? It’s easy to do and a great way of helping raise money for the Kidney Wales Foundation.
“You don’t need to be super fit to take part in the walks – they’re open to everyone and you can even turn up on the day to take part and send a message of hope and support to kidney patients throughout Wales. Please, do your bit as you really will be making a difference.”
Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Colin Jackson has kindly agreed to be this year’s Walk for Life Ambassador.
“His support will help raise awareness of the fact there are hundreds of people across Wales affected by kidney failure and many more that are at risk because of the prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which can cause kidney damage.
“Our Walk for Life events raise important funds to help families and we would like to thank all those who have organised a walk in their community. Their hard work and support is greatly appreciated.”
Dr. Judith van der Voort, Consultant Nephrologist at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said: “I’m delighted Colin Jackson could meet some of our patients here at the University Hospital of Wales and see how the Kidney Wales Foundation is helping us make a difference.”
To find out where your nearest Walk for Life is or for information on how to organise one please contact the Kidney Wales Foundation team on 029 2034 3940.
