John Paul was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure in 2016 and was told he would need Dialysis and a Kidney transplant. All very frightening words, but with the help of the staff  of CUH and UHK , Dr Clarkeson and Dr Mazur, they made the journey easier with all their help and reassurance.  John Paul started dialysis in UHK, where he went 3 days a week and enjoyed going for the social side of it and meeting others in the same position as himself, They helped each other and their families, also all under the  watchful eye of the fantastic Renal Nurse Specialist Elaine Dennehy and Abina Harrington who was and is still only a call away .

John Paul and his family became involved with the Irish Kindey Association, where he made lifelong friends, where they all supported each other and shared tips and tricks to making life easier. We were and still are very grateful to the help of the kerry branch of the kidney association and especially Theresa Looney who has helped us from day one to make the journey smoother. 

On October 30th 2018, John Paul received the priceless gift of a kidney from his brother Barry , a gift he would never be able to repay but would be forever grateful for . We thank Barry and all Organ Donors every day for their selfless decision ..

In December 2020 Donal was diagnosed in CUH with Anca Vasculitis and both his kidneys were functioning at < 10% and required immediate dialysis. On Christmas Eve 2020 he commenced dialysis in the dialysis unit in UHK where he received the best of care for the next 2 ½ years.

In March 2022 Donal's daughter Karina began the journey of becoming a possible kidney donor to her father however in August they found out that it was not an option to proceed with the surgery. During Donal & Karina's 5 months of up and down to Beaumont Teresa Looney of the Kerry Branch of the IKA were a huge support to us all.

On June 29th 2023 Donal got the call to make the trip to Beaumont that a kidney that was a match had become available. 

Ironically, heartbreak for one family could bring happiness for other families.

Donal and his family are eternally grateful to the donor and their family for the wonderful gift they gave us and other families. We encourage everyone to become an organ donor.

Both John Paul and Donal's family members have decided to participate in the 2024 ROK and their chosen charity is the Irish Kidney Association.

As a token of appreciation for the support we received we hope to raise some funds to enable the IKA to continue their good work in supporting individuals with kidney disease and their families. We also wish to promote awareness and encourage organ donation. Please support our fundraiser, Edel, Eve, Sinead and Karina