Monday, 30 March 2009

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Event raises thousands for Kidney Wales Foundation

Facebook | WalesOnline - News - Health News - Event raises thousands for Kidney Wales Foundation


IT WAS a sunny walk in the park for hundreds of families, friends and children who turned up to lend their support to one of Cardiff’s biggest fundraising events.

Olympic swimming hero David Davies and Commonwealth boxing champion Nathan Cleverley yesterday joined the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life.

The 1.9-mile walk will this year help children who have kidney disease and kidney failure.

The event, which hopes to raise £80,000, was started by Tory leader David Cameron, who was in the city for the Welsh Conservatives’ party conference.

Robert Day, from Caerphilly, whose six-year-old daughter Ella has undergone a kidney transplant, said: “Ella and the rest of the children had a really good time – we loved the face painting and the walk around Bute Park. It was great to meet all the celebrities like Nathan Cleverley and David Davies – they were really good with the children and made the event a special day.”

And Sarra Elgan, a Kidney Wales Foundation ambassador, said: “It was great to see so many people attend such a worthwhile event. It was particularly lovely to meet all the children from the children’s kidney unit at the University Hospital of Wales – this is what the walk was all about, to help these children and give them a better quality of life.”

The 1.9-mile route looped through city parkland before ending with a celebration lap of the Cardiff Arms Park.

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “Once again we are grateful to everyone who came to show their support for the children affected by kidney failure and disease. There was a fantastic turnout and, this year, we hope to raise more than £80,000 to fund projects to help these children.”

And Nathan Cleverley, Commonwealth light-heavyweight boxing champion, said: “It is very important to raise awareness about kidney disease and I was glad that I was able to do my bit by taking part in this very enjoyable event.”

Among the projects to benefit from the Walk for Life money, will be the complete refurbishment of the children’s kidney unit in Cardiff, which cares for children from across Wales.

Sunday, 29 March 2009

WalesOnline - Lifestyle - Home & Garden - Green scene: Lynne Allbutt

WalesOnline - Lifestyle - Home & Garden - Green scene: Lynne Allbutt

Organ donor recipient Sara Griffiths, below, likens looking after one’s health to taking care of a garden. “The better care you take of both, the better results you get from them,” she says wisely.

But she admits she didn’t always see it like that.

“At 12 I was diagnosed with type one diabetes and told by the doctors to take care of myself and my diet. My parents made sure I was sensible but when they weren’t around I was stuffing myself with sweets with the rest of the kids,” she confesses.

“But I learned the hard way; in 1991 I was told I was suffering with renal failure and as soon as I went on dialysis I stuck to the most manic, strictest routine ever. I had to learn to take care of myself.”

She said: “As a kid I was brought up in a flat and didn’t know what a garden or fresh air was.

Send us your Walk for Life pictures (From South Wales Argus)

Send us your Walk for Life pictures (From South Wales Argus)

ARE you doing the Walk for Life this weekend? There are nine walks taking place across Gwent in aid of the Kidney Wales Foundation and we want to see your pictures of the big day, so wherever you are walking, send them in.

Click the link below to e-mail us, or send them via mobile on 80360 with the message ARGUS NEWS. To speak to a reporter, call newsdesk on 01633 777226.

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Olympic medallist David Davies to join Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Olympic medallist David Davies to join Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life

OLYMPIC silver medallist David Davies took part in one of Wales’ biggest fundraising events today with Opposition Leader David Cameron and Sarra Elgan who was with husband Simon Easterby.

58 Walks took place across Wales.

The OLYMPIC silver medallist swimmer was among hundreds of people raising funds for children with kidney problems in Cardiff.

The Rt Hon. David Cameron chatted to the children from the Children's Kidney Unit.

The event, which started at the Welsh Institute of Sport, in Sophia Gardens included a lap of Cardiff Arms Park.

The 1.9 mile walk, sponsored by Specsavers,raised vital funds to help transform the lives of children with kidney disease and kidney failure. The money raised will also refurbish the children’s kidney unit at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.

Davies, Kidney Wales Foundation’s newest supporter, who won silver in the 10K open swim at the Beijing Olympics, said: “The chance to help change the lives of children with kidney failure and walk around the Arms Park with hundreds of supporters was great fun and you did not need an Olympic medal to take part.”

The charity is hoping to raise £100,000 to fund a number of projects across Wales.

Friday, 13 March 2009

Barry mum's fundraising appeal (From Barry And District News)

Barry mum's fundraising appeal (From Barry And District News)

Barry mum's fundraising appeal
11:40am Thursday 12th March 2009



By Elinor Cross »

A BARRY mum who allowed the donation of organs and tissue from her late son and husband, is gearing up for two events this month – to raise money for Kidney Wales.

After the death of their son Richard in 2004 in a skateboarding accident, Gaynor Taylor and her late husband John were told that he carried an organ donor card – which, they said, took the pressure off making the decision of whether or not to donate his organs.

Since then Gaynor has supported Kidney Wales through fundraising walks, as the charity played a big part in setting up the Organ Donor Card.

Gaynor said: "The important thing is that more people sign the register.

"We had no idea Richard carried a card, but it was a comfort for us because we were following his wishes after he died.

"It is a lot easier when a decision has been made. We were asked out of courtesy, but really he had made the decision. That is why we are raising money – it makes such a big difference."

Thursday, 12 March 2009

Ex-Wales star helps Cwmbran boy in Walk for Life (From South Wales Argus)

Ex-Wales star helps Cwmbran boy in Walk for Life (From South Wales Argus)Ex-Wales star helps Cwmbran boy in Walk for Life
2:10pm Thursday 12th March 2009





A CWMBRAN boy suffering from a kidney condition will be one of many to benefit when fundraisers pull on their walking boots for the Specsavers Walk for Life.

Jack Jones, of Fairwater, Cwmbran, was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome - a condition which causes his kidneys to leak protein into the blood - on his 12th birthday in September.

His mum, Jill Jones, said she took him to the doctors after he complained of some discomfort and his face became puffy.

Mrs Jones, 39, said: “His face had been puffy a couple of times, but I put it down to the worry of starting school and never in a million years thought it was anything to do with his kidneys.”

Jack was taken to hospital admitted to a ward and kept in for 10 days after being put on a course of steroids , which he still takes and has to stick to a no salt diet.

Mrs Jones, who has three other children, Ella, 14, Tom, six and 20-month-old Phoebe, said that at first it was difficult to cope with Jack’s condition but they were “getting their heads around it.”

Jack visits the Children’s Kidney Unit about once a month for check-ups and during one recent visit he met former Bolton Wanderers and Wales striker, Nathan Blake.

Mr Blake, who grew up in Ringland, is swapping his football boots for walking boots to take part in the Specsavers Walk For Life, raising money for the Kidney Wales Foundation.

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Yale College pair shed the pounds for kidney charity - Evening Leader

Yale College pair shed the pounds for kidney charity - Evening Leader


Not content with losing weight for their chosen charity, the dynamic duo are also organising Wrexham's first-ever Walk for Life on Sunday, March 29.

Sponsored by Specsavers which will supply free t-shirts, the event begins at 10.30am from Wrexham FC's Racecourse ground in Mold Road and follows a circular route through the town centre.

Rachael said: "We're hoping to attract between 500 and 1,000 people. In fact, the more the merrier. People interested in taking part can contact me on 07515 190342 , or bring a donation with them on the day.

"When I started raising money for the charity it opened my eyes to how many people there are out there with kidney problems."

She added: "I particularly wanted to help the Kidney Wales Foundation because Nia has done so much to help Stuart and I with our weight loss programme.

"It has been going quite well up to now but I must admit it has been hard for me. I have a real battle with food and have had to change my lifestyle completely."

Thursday, 5 March 2009

NHS Wales News - Health Minister visits new dialysis unit in Pembrokeshire

NHS Wales News - Health Minister visits new dialysis unit in Pembrokeshire

News: Health Minister visits new dialysis unit in Pembrokeshire
5 March 2009, Welsh Assembly Government


The Health Minister, Edwina Hart, will today [Thursday, 5 March] visit a new renal dialysis unit at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, to meet patients and staff benefiting from the new facilities locally.


Previously dialysis patients would have had to undertake regular and often lengthy journeys out of county to Carmarthen for treatment. Patients now have the opportunity to undergo treatment locally at the new unit although some will continue to have their renal dialysis in Carmarthen.

The unit opened in December 2008 with the ability to treat 12 patients but further stations have now opened to accommodate 24 patients. The provision of the temporary unit is part of a phased development that will see a permanent dialysis unit open on the Withybush Hospital site by March 2011.

South Gwynedd has also been identified as an area in need of a new unit and building work should commence next year. Last year, the Minister opened the new unit at West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen as well as the new kidney dialysis unit in Cardiff.

Coupled with the investment in dialysis, the Welsh Assembly Government has part funded the Kidney Wales Foundation-led Donate Wales: Tell a Loved One campaign, which aims to encourage people to become donors. Linked to that a £4.2m Assembly Government-funded transplant unit at the University of Wales Hospital is due to open early next year.

Mrs Hart said: "The new interim unit enables patients to benefit from improved services until the permanent facility is built.

"Having this facility in Pembrokeshire will greatly improve the care for patients locally and reduce the need to travel which will not only improve their health but also their quality of life."

"I am committed to improving renal services across Wales. The draft budget set aside for renal dialysis expansion this year is £6.8m.

"However, for many patients receiving dialysis the best option would be a transplant so we will continue to support the Kidney Foundation Wales-led Donate Wales Tell a Loved One campaign which raises awareness of the importance of signing up to the organ donation register. The campaign also emphasises the need for people to discuss their wishes with friends and family."

Hywel Dda NHS Trust's Chairman Chris Martin said: "We are delighted that plans for a permanent dialysis unit for Pembrokeshire patients are progressing and that in the meantime, patients can be treated in the temporary unit."


Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and Donate Wales campaign, said: "We are fully committed along with the Welsh Assembly Government, to world class renal facilities across Wales. Transplant and dialysis treatments in Wales are improving under this government and we are working in partnership to ensure this continues and that more kidney patients and their families in Wales benefit."

Cardigan and District 'Walk for Life' (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Cardigan and District 'Walk for Life' (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Cardigan and District 2009 Walk for Life in aid of Kidney Wales Foundation is again being organised this year by Auriol Williams and Mair Morris. The sponsored walk will take place on Sunday morning ,29th March, 10.30am from The Cafe, Station Road, Cardigan through the Wildlife Center to Cilgerran and back.

Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit (From Western Telegraph)

Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit (From Western Telegraph): "Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit
9:53am Thursday 5th March 2009
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Welsh Health Minister, Edwina Hart, will today (Thursday) visit a new renal dialysis unit at Withybush Hospital and meet patients and staff benefiting from the new local facilities.
The unit opened in December last year with the ability to treat 12 patients. Since then a dozen more stations have opened and 24 patients can be accommodated ."

Sunday, 1 February 2009

Brave tot will be face of kidney fundrasier (From South Wales Argus)

Brave tot will be face of kidney fundrasier (From South Wales Argus)

YOUNG kidney patient Leo Jones is a "true inspiration" and that is why he's the face of this year's Walk for Life fundraising campaign, organisers say.

Three-year-old Leo is in end-stage kidney failure, but cannot have dialysis as attempts to put any tubes into his body have caused serious illness, including peritonitis, leaving him battling for his life.

After hearing of his story, the Wales Kidney Foundation chose to represent the Walk for Life on March 29, which is aiming to raise more than £80,000 to help improve the lives of children affected by kidney disease and failure across Wales.

Roy J. Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, described Leo as a “true inspiration” to kidney patients and families across Wales.

He said: “We have chosen Leo as the face of our Walk for Life because we want people to realise just how difficult life is for children suffering with kidney failure or disease.

“Leo’s story is a powerful one that underlines the difficulty for a child with kidney failure.”

Walk for Life wins sponsor - WalesOnline

Walk for Life wins sponsor - WalesOnline

Walk for Life wins sponsor
Jan 29 2009 by Emily Woodrow, South Wales Echo

SPECSAVERS in Cardiff has pledged its support to a campaign aimed at funding clinical research and renal facilities for children with kidney disease.

The optician is backing the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life, which is built on a series of organised walks across Wales.

Monday, 26 January 2009

Newport tot's race against time for new life (From South Wales Argus)

Newport tot's race against time for new life (From South Wales Argus)

Leo was chosen by the Kidney Wales Foundation as the face of their “Walk for Life” fundraising event.

To find out more about the Walk for Life fundraising scheme call 029 20343940 or visit www.kidneywales.com.

Join one of dozens of Walks for Life on March 29 to help a child - WalesOnline

Join one of dozens of Walks for Life on March 29 to help a child - WalesOnline

Join one of dozens of Walks for Life on March 29 to help a child
Jan 26 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

This year’s Walk for Life will encourage fundraisers to help the Kidney Wales Foundation to help a child.

The annual charity event – the foundation’s biggest and most important fundraising event – will help children like Leo Jones.

The Walk for Life on March 29 will be supported by Katherine Jenkins, Nicole Cooke and Sarra Elgan.

Leo was born in Cardiff with a massive tumour on his spine - WalesOnline

Leo was born in Cardiff with a massive tumour on his spine - WalesOnline

AT JUST three-and-a-half Leo Jones has already experienced a lifetime of healthcare and surgery.

Born with a massive tumour on his spine, he has fought for life through numerous operations and refuses to let kidney failure interfere with his childhood.

Leo, who could receive one of his dad Gareth’s kidneys later this year, is the face of the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life campaign this year.

Wednesday, 21 January 2009

Walking -why we do it? And why Katherine is a proud to support us

For the first time ever we’ll be announcing more than one Walk for Life Ambassador. And we’re very excited to reveal that our first is world famous mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins.

Katherine said: “The Walk for Life raises tens of thousands of pounds every year to help the hundreds of children across Wales affected by kidney failure.

“This money is vital to helping support facilities like the Children’s Kidney Unit in Cardiff and I think it’s amazing that so many people get involved every year with the walks.

“The great thing about them is that they’re open to everyone and you don’t need to keep fit to take part. Just by raising a small amount of money you’ll be sending a huge message of hope and support and making a genuine difference to these children’s lives.”

29 March 2009 is the day to Walk in Wales

2009’s Walk for Life takes place on March 29 and is set to be the biggest yet! And you can be a part of it.

If you organised a walk last year and want to get involved again we’d love to hear from you. And if there isn’t a walk in your hometown then why not organise one yourself? It’s really easy to do and you’ll get the full support of Kidney Wales’ Walk for Life team to help you all the way.

We supply all our walk organisers with their own bumper Walk for Life packs including promotional posters, flyers, sponsor forms, T-shirts and of course certificates for those that take part in the walk.

The walk itself can be as long or as short as you want it to be and you don’t have to be super fit to take part – just enjoy it at your own leisurely pace.

Last year a massive 36 walks took place across Wales from Amlwch in the north to Cardiff in the south raising more than £80,000. Money raised from our biggest fundraiser goes to helping transform the lives of the hundreds of children in Wales affected by kidney disease and failure. Life on dialysis for these children is extremely difficult, while some are so sick they might never get the chance to be put forward for a kidney transplant.

With your help and support though we can give these children and their families hope by funding new state-of-the-art dialysis machines, ground-breaking research into kidney disease, paediatric social workers and much-need improvements to the Children’s Kidney Unit at the University Hospital of Wales, which cares for patients across Wales.

Every penny you raise really does make a difference. Help us to help a child and support your local Walk for Life.

e mail noel@kidneywales.com

Countdown to 2009 Walk For Life



The countdown is on to 2009’s Walk for Life!


To help raise thousands of pounds to transform the lives of children across Wales affected by kidney failure click here now
“I hope as many people attend their local Walk for Life as possible this year and make the day a huge success.”

Katherine Jenkins, Walk for Life Ambassador and Kidney Wales Patron.

ABERDARE WALK FOR LIFE

ABERDARE WALK FOR LIFE
Stuart Cable supports Aberdare Walk For Life