WALKS ACROSS WALES TAKING PLACE TODAY AS THOUSANDS TURN OUT

Kidney Wales are delighted with the support for all the Walks in Wales today.

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff started the Cardiff Walk in the Bay with leading politicians and celebrities.

Chair of Trustees Raj Aggarwal OBE of Kidney Wales Foundation said " The day has been great with hundreds turning out for us to support our cause and thousands across Wales. We appreciate the great effort made and the energy in supporting us"

Please send in pictures to Noel@kidneywales.com or call the Office with your successful stories of today.

1 DAY TO GO WALK FOR LIFE TOMORROW

ONLY ONE DAY TO GO FOR ALL THE WALKS IN WALES SEE LIST OF WALKS BELOW.WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU SUPPORT

Pictured is Connor Owen at the Children's Kidney Unit University Wales Hospital who will walk in Cardiff Bay at 11am tomorrow. Join Connor and register at 10 30am. ST DAVID'S HOTEL & SPA, CARDIFF BAY or walk at your local Walk and join the celebrities where you are. Dwayne Peel in Ammanford and Grand Slam star Alun Wyn Jones in Swansea.

COLIN JACKSON THE AMBASSADOR

Colin Jackson steps out as an ambassador by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

World champion athlete Colin Jackson has been named as this year’s Walk for Life Ambassador.

The former 110m hurdler met patients at Cardiff’s Children’s Kidney Unit to launch this year’s fundraising event, which is organised by the Kidney Wales Foundation (KWF).

Last year fundraisers across Wales organised 32 walks raising £80,000 to help support kidney services at the University Hospital of Wales. A further £30,000 has been donated by the charity to the kidney unit to fund specialist staff to help children with kidney failure, as well as game stations, TVs and educational toys.

This year the charity hopes to raise £100,000 and more than 30 walks have already been organised throughout Wales.

Jackson said, “Meeting the children at the University Hospital of Wales made me realise just how important the Kidney Wales Foundation’s work is in Wales.

“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.”

KWF chairman Roy J Thomas, added, “Colin’s 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.”

2 DAYS TO GO TO WALK FOR LIFE WALES

We are delighted with the support across Wales for this year and committed support from various well known people in public life in Ammanford – British Lions and Wales Dwayne Peel ; in Swansea – Wales Grand Slam hero Alun Wyn Jones ; in Newport – Tony Wright from Real Radio DJ ;in Pontypridd – James Fox ;in Cardiff – comedian Rhod Gilbert, Gary Lockett, Alex Jones, Matthew Johnson, Cardiff Blues- Wales wing Jamie Roberts Ricie Rees,Mark Roberts, Jenny Randerson AM, Julie Morgan MP, Kevin Brennan MP for Cardiff West and the Lord Mayor of Cardiff in Gorseinon – Leighton James . Huw Irranca -Davies MP walked in Aberdare for us Mark Isherwood AM in Gwaenysgor.

WALK IN GWENT

Gwent Walks/Events
Abergavenny – Staff from Alun Griffiths’ Contractors will be walking up the Blorenge Mountain on April 6 to raise money for the charity.
Blackwood – Fundraisers have organised a two mile walk, which will begin at the Full Moon Roundabout at 2pm. All are welcome on the day. For more information contact organiser Jill Ramsey on 01443 835608.
Magor – Fundraisers from Magor and Undy have joined together to organise a five mile walk, which begins at 12noon in Magor Square. All are welcome on the day. For more information contact organiser Jason Davies on 07947 902505.
Newport – The Newport Walk will include walking over some of the city’s famous bridges and begins outside the Kingsway Shopping Centre at 10.30am. All are welcome on the day. For more information contact Maureen Hendon on 01633 855989.
Tredegar – Fundraisers will meet at 10.30am at Bedwellty Park before beginning the walk. All are welcome on the day. For more information contact organiser Dr. John Evans pm 01495 722352.
Usk – Fundraisers will meet at 10.30am at the Sessions House and walk along the town’s flood route. All are welcome on the day. For more information contact organiser Dave Rennels on 07855 679802.
Monmouth – Fundraisers will take part in a sponsored litter pick, which begins at 2pm (on March 29) at the Somerfield Car Park. All are welcome on the day. For more information contact organiser Anthea Dewhurst on 01600 772209.

COLIN JACKSON AND FRIENDS AT CHILDREN'S KIDNEY UNIT TO LAUNCH WALK FOR LIFE 2008 FOR KW

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.

Walk for Life 2008 - Kidney Wales Foundation

KW News - Walk for Life - Kidney Wales Foundation

Kidney Wales is setting off its Walk for Life campaign.
Sunday March 30th 2008 will see thousands of people come together for a good cause.

The Walk for Life is open to all of any ability and you can either join a Walk for Life near you or hold your very own.

In 2007 we raised £80,000, our target for 2008 of £100,000 with your support we can make a difference.

Keen walker Sian Lloyd patron of the Walk in 2007 said "The Walk for Life is an important fundraising event that benefits so many, communities, towns and villages come together in one big day of fundraising. All the monies raised from this event is invested into patient care and wellbeing, with your support we make can make a difference."

Interested or have any questions contact Chris Connell (029) 2034 3940 or email chris@kidneywales.com