Hywel Dda Health Charities on Aberystwyth woman running the London Marathon to raise awareness of organ donation

Good luck to Kirsty Griffiths from Aberystwyth, who is running the virtual London Marathon to raise money for Hywel Dda Health Charities and to promote organ donation in memory of her father and sister.

Kirsty, who works as a mortuary technician at Bronglais Hospital, said she wanted a challenge to help her lose weight and wanted to support the Organ Donation Specialist Team in Hywel Dda University Health Board at the same time.

“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 would love to raise this money in their memory.”

“My dad passed away in Glangwili General Hospital and with help, guidance and support from the Specialist Organ Donation team, we made the decision to donate his organs.

“From the very first meeting right until today, six years later, we are still supported by the team, and receive updates from any donations that continue to be made.

“Multiple people across the UK benefited from dad’s donations. His heart was donated to the Bristol Heart Bank, where tissue is stored and donated to babies and children who are born with heart defects that need repair. This donation continues to save lives, with a five-day-old baby girl receiving his heart valves in a lifesaving operation.

“I hope to raise awareness of organ donation and the amazing work that the Specialist Organ Donation teams do here in Hywel Dda Health Board. I cannot thank the Organ Donation Teams enough for the daily dedication in supporting our loved ones, supporting families that are bereaved and struggling, through to supporting the individuals receiving the organs and beginning their new journey.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said they were very grateful to fundraisers like Kirsty, who had chosen to take part in the London Marathon to support their local NHS.

““The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda,” said Nicola.

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

The Virgin Money London Marathon takes place on 3rd October and entrants have 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete the 26.2 miles at a location of their choice.

You can donate to Kirsty’s challenge at www.justgiving.com/Kirsty-Griffiths14