A member of a Torfaen running club who had a kidney transplant in 2007 has thanked her clubmates for raising almost £1,500 for Kidney Wales.
Every year members of Griffithstown Harriers pick a charity and aim to raise as much funds as possible. This year’s charity was chosen by Nikki Hancox and last week her clubmates got together to give the charity a cheque for £1,476.28.
Nikki said: “I was in my early 30s with a young child when I received the devastating news that both of my kidneys were failing and I had no other option than to go on dialysis and join the transplant list. I spent the longest two years of my life on dialysis (four times per day) and my life was completely taken over by my illness.
“After one false call I received a successful transplant in 2007, and although I am occasionally unwell to the point of hospitalisation, I am living a great life. I receive amazing support from my husband Paul, son Jake, and daughter in law Samantha, as well as my sister Pam, and countless great supportive friends.
“Each year Griffithstown Harriers choose a charity to support, and I was delighted that my charity Kidney Wales were chosen for 2024. Griffithstown Harriers and their friends and family helped me to raise an amazing £1476.28
“Kidney Wales are there for Kidney patients pre and post-transplant, offering support.
“Danielle at Kidney Wales especially has kept in contact with me, checking in to see how I am, and I am so grateful for this.
“The money raised by Griffithstown Harriers is going to go a long way towards providing support for Kidney patients and funding vital research. A big thank you to Griffithstown Harriers and Kidney Wales.”
The club’s members choose each charity on their annual Christmas Jumper night out and this is followed by two raffles. The first fundraising raffle is at their Boxing Day Fun Run and then a second one is held at their annual club race, the Sorbrook Slog.
Entry fees from the Boxing Day event also go to that year’s charity.
Griffithstown Harriers have raised thousands of pounds over the years for different charities.