Twenty-four members of the transplant unit at the University Hospital of Wales are getting their running shoes on for the Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff 10K on September 1.
The team is comprised of doctors, nurses, surgeons and admin staff who all work at the transplant unit, delivering world-class care to patients needing vital organ transplant procedures.
Chris Jones, a transplant clinical nurse specialist at the University Hospital of Wales, has taken the mantle of organising the team. Speaking about why the team are entering the Cardiff Met Cardiff 10K, Chris said:
“We entered a team to the Cardiff 10K three years ago and everyone involved had such a rewarding experience and so despite our incredibly busy schedules on the unit we were keen to take part again.
“A big reason why we’re doing this is to raise money for Kidney Wales and also raise awareness about organ donation. Every day we get to see the impact of organ donation at the transplant unit and we can’t emphasise enough how important it is to have people signed up to the organ donation register so we can help those needing life-changing procedures.
“Right now, we’re trying to organise some group runs together, which is proving a challenge with the different work schedules, but we’ll all be ready for the race once it arrives! Running has so many health benefits, physical and mental, so being part of the Cardiff 10K is a really good way for the team to keep fit and have fun, all while supporting a vitally important cause.”
Kidney Wales and the transplant unit at the University Hospital of Wales have formed a close relationship since the charity was founded in 1967. Kidney Wales has supported the transplant unit with fundraising support, provided individual support to patients and families impacted by kidney disease and kidney transplants, and has also helped to co-run numerous events to encourage the public to sign up to the organ donation register.
Speaking about the involvement of the transplant unit team at this year’s Cardiff Met Cardiff 10K, Danielle Angell, Head of Fundraising and Events at Kidney Wales, said:
“It’s great to see Chris organising a team to get involved at this year’s Cardiff Met Cardiff 10K. Kidney Wales have always had a close relationship with the transplant unit at the University Hospital of Wales and we hope that the Welsh public get behind them in the build up to the race.
“The team performs incredible work each and every day, saving so many lives, and we’re grateful to have their support.”
To support Chris and the transplant unit in achieving his fundraising goals, visit his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/transplantteam2019
