Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have set up this page in aid of the Irish Kidney Association. On the 28 May I will be shaving my glorious beard, which I have been growing for 3 years, to raise much needed funds for the IKA.

A little background...

In 2013, my brother Liam was diagnosed with a rare disease called vasculitis, which causes inflammation of the blood vessels. Unfortunately this led to both Liam's kidneys failing. He was very sick for a long time, receiving dialysis 3-4 times a week. 

In 2014, Liam went into remission but the damage was already done - he needed a transplant. Members of my family went and got tested but I was the only match as Liam has a rare blood type - luckily enough so do I!

The transplant went ahead on the 4 September 2014 in Beaumont Hospital. Thankfully it was a complete success and Liam's body accepted my kidney (also known as Silverback - that's what he called it!)

Since then we have both gone back to our normal every day lives and Liam is now getting married in the summer. None of which would have been possible without the physical and emotional support of the Irish Kidney Association. Our family cannot be thankful enough to all the staff in the Irish Kidney Association and Beaumont Hospital for all that they have done for us - giving Liam his life back! 

This is my little way of trying to say thank you and trying to help other families that are unfortunately in the same situation. Please donate what you can!

Thanks

Shane

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