Six years ago, after a family holiday, Matt was diagnosed with kidney failure, an unexpected and life-altering event for him and his loved ones. Despite the challenges of managing his health, balancing work and family life, and undergoing dialysis three times a week, Matt found invaluable support from his medical team and the Irish Kidney Association. Two years ago, Matt’s life was transformed by a kidney donation from a deceased donor. Matt and his son, Cathal, are cycling the Ring of Kerry in support of the Irish Kidney Association to give back and raise awareness. Give to Matt’s Fundraiser

I got my life back two years ago thanks to the very generous gift of a donated kidney from a donor’s family. I am a busy dad of two boys.

 

Six years ago, after returning from a family break with my wife and boys, I began to feel very tired and unwell. My GP did some tests which led me to the sudden diagnosis of kidney failure.  This for me, my family and friends was quite a shock and I found it challenging to navigate back from being so unwell to balance work and home life whilst at the same time having lifesaving treatment.

 

My medical team were amazing, and the support of The Irish Kidney Association helped me and my family to work our way through living as full a life as I could whilst having dialysis three times a week, balance tiredness levels and hoping for a donor match.

 

l feel really well now and am back to good health and I really want to give back. I can’t thank my donor family as I do not know my donor. I truly hope that they know what a gift they have given through their kindness and generosity. No day goes by that I don’t think of them.

I am cycling the Ring of Kerry with my son, Cathal, to raise awareness for a wonderful charity, The Irish Kidney Association, who support patients and their families through information, support and lobbying .

 

If you are reading this I would like you to talk to your loved ones about your wishes, carry a donor card to give clarity of your wishes and donate what you can to a charity that makes a real difference every day .

Give to Matt’s Fundraiser