A Rosslare Harbour woman who donated a kidney to her father is preparing to take on a major fundraising challenge at Croke Park this Friday, three and a half years after giving him the “gift of life”.
Trish Boyce will be one of “The Five Kidneys” who are set to abseil down the side of the iconic stadium on this Friday, July 10th, with funds raised going directly to St Damien’s Ward at Beaumont Hospital.
The fundraiser is a way for Trish to thank the medical team and staff who cared for her and her father during their journey through kidney failure and transplant.
Speaking ahead of the event, Trish said the care they received from everyone on St Damien’s Ward was something she would never forget.
She recalled arriving at the ward and feeling as though they were being welcomed into a five-star hotel, with every member of staff going above and beyond.
From nurses and doctors to catering, cleaning and support staff, Trish said the kindness and compassion shown to them made an enormous difference during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Her father’s health (John Boyce) had deteriorated significantly before the transplant, with regular dialysis, strict dietary changes and a major impact on his quality of life.
However, after receiving the kidney transplant in December 2022, his health and independence improved dramatically.
Trish said her father, who was approaching his 70th birthday when he received the transplant, is now back enjoying everyday activities he once struggled with, including getting outdoors and cutting the grass.
The Croke Park abseil is the latest challenge for Trish, who says the biggest challenge of her life was giving her father the chance of a new beginning.
She will be joined on Friday by friends Catherine Murphy and Celine Treacy, with her family also travelling to support her.
The event will take place at midday on Friday, with fundraising continuing throughout the summer.
Trish is also using the opportunity to encourage people to pay attention to their health and attend regular medical checks.
She says her father's kidney disease was identified through routine blood tests and encourages people not to put off visiting their GP.
“Hope” has been a key part of Trish and her family's journey, and she says that support from family, friends and medical teams helped them through the most difficult times.
The fundraising page for The Five Kidneys remains open until mid-August, with all proceeds going towards St Damien’s Ward at Beaumont Hospital.
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