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.
Monday, 30 March 2009
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
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.
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 ."
9:53am Thursday 5th March 2009
Comments (0) Have your say »
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 ."
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ABERDARE WALK FOR LIFE
Stuart Cable supports Aberdare Walk For Life
