Well done to Kirsty Griffiths from Aberystwyth, who raised £750 for Hywel Dda Health Charities by running the virtual London Marathon, while also promoting organ donation.
Kirsty, who works as a Mortuary Technician at Bronglais Hospital, said she wanted a challenge to help her lose weight and also wanted to support the amazing work that the Organ Donation Specialist Teams do in Hywel Dda University Health Board.
“I would love the money to go towards supporting families of organ donors and the organ donation service,” she said. “My sister and father were both organ donors and I raised this money in their memory.
Kirsty said she had a bit of a disaster on marathon day. Due to app failures and bad weather, she ended up doing 36 miles on Aberystwyth promenade instead of 26.2 miles!
“But the plus side was how much support I got on the day,” said Kirsty. “Families that have been affected by organ donation came to meet me and to walk a mile with me to help raise awareness.
“One family in particular touched my heart. A massive thank you to the Richards family. Hawys is 13 and on dialysis for nine hours a day while she waits for her kidney transplant. Through the gale force winds, she joined me for 2.8 miles of the walk to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. A true inspiration and they were the super heroes of the day.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated. Heartfelt thanks to my family for their love and support, in particular my husband Griff, who kept me grounded and motivated.”
Rea John, Specialist Nurse, Organ Donation, said: “Kirsty’s story is truly inspiring and empowering. Organ donation is seen as a sensitive subject but it needs to be spoken about with your families and friends so that they can support your decision to help save the lives of others.
“Stories like Kirsty’s give people hope and help raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. It truly is the gift of life and a legacy to remember our loved ones.”
There is still time to donate to Kirsty’s fundraising at www.justgiving.com/Kirsty-Griffiths14
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