This isn't just about the miles on the road and my love of cycling. For me it's about raising awareness for a cause that's incredibly close to my heart: organ donation, especially

living kidney donation. As a close friend of mine, Fiona needs a kidney transplant for the second time.I’ll be among 50 other cyclists on 6th September, who I have never met before, and each one of us is undertaking the exciting 6 day cycle challenge for our own important causes.

In my work as a community mental health nurse, I've seen first hand the impact that kidney disease and other chronic illnesses can have on individuals and their families.

Fiona underwent a successful living donor kidney transplant in 2017 with our amazing friend Grainne. Witnessing Fiona’s journey, from dialysis treatment to the triumph of completing a triathlon with Grainne, her kidney donor, less than a year later, was truly inspiring. It transformed Fiona and gave her six years of good health while raising her young family and pursuing the passion for health and wellness that she shares with Grainne and

myself. 

However, Fiona has unfortunately returned to dialysis since January this year and is back on the transplant waiting list. This serves as a constant reminder of the ongoing need for more donors and support for those affected by kidney disease.

Adding to my determination and motivation to undertake this challenge, I've recently overcome breast cancer. While this person victory fills me with gratitude, it also means I cannot undergo testing for living donation. Witnessing the transformational effect it had on my friend Fiona drives me even more to promote organ donation and living donor kidney donation.

That's why I'm embarking on this challenge—to raise awareness and funds for the Irish Kidney Association. Every pedal stroke will be dedicated to advocating for organ donation and supporting Fiona and other patients who are living with kidney disease.

My fundraising target is €3,000, and with your support, I'm confident we can surpass it. I'll be covering all my travel, accommodation, and related expenses for this challenge. Every cent raised will go directly to the Irish Kidney Association, a registered charity, which provides vital support for kidney patients and their families, as well as being the organisation which promotes and distributes the organ donor card in Ireland.

With the recent passing of the Human Tissue Bill which includes the introduction of non-directed altruistic living donation in Ireland, there's newfound hope for those in need of a kidney transplant.

Please consider donating to this fundraiser and sharing mymotivation to undertake the cycle challenge with your friends and family. 

Together,we can make a difference and give hope to those awaiting a second chance at life.

Thank you, in advance, for your generosity and support!

Merci Beaucoup!

Ber Downey