“Team Taggart” led by 68 year old Martin supporting Kidney Research UK at RICHMOND RIVER RUN on 5 September 2010.

Having suffered the sad loss of wife Joan earlier this year Martin is leading the Team consisting of daughter Penny and our friend Phil (the Aussie) Bayliss over the 10km course starting at Kew Green.  Although the young couple are already experienced in these events this is Dad’s first ever attempt over the distance - and the furthest he has run “for over fifty years”.  The team is growing from strength to strength with new members Ceri, Will & Jim bravely partaking in the race, along side cheerleaders Steph, Hootan, Hetty (all the way from the US), Maz and more! Feel free to join!  

All of this in support of Kidney Research UK and in commemoration of the life of Joan who, for so long, suffered from kidney disease.  Apart from the desire to raise as much money as possible for the charity it is also important to raise awareness of the great work carried out by them towards the prevention and cure of kidney disease, whilst also recognising with gratitude the “new” life that was given to Joan following her kidney transplant in 2001. 

Please give as generously as you can and, if you see any of the Taggart team at the event, give them an extra cheer to spur them towards the finishing line.

Note: Very kindly, Legal and General have said they will give £1 for every £3 raised up to a total of £750. To get the maximum amount, we need to raise £2,250 with your help, but we welcome your support, however you wish to show it.

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joans Story

In 1983 Joan was first diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, as a result of which her condition continued to be monitored until, ten years later, she was forced to start kidney dialysis treatment.  The next few years were difficult:  travel could only be made subject to prior arrangement with a local dialysys unit;  a strict low-potassium diet determined that she was to be denied just about every kind of food and drink she had hitherto enjoyed;  despite the great work carried out by the medical authorities there was no cure for the condition.

Then, in the summer of 2001, Joan received a telephone call that was to transform her life.  Thanks to the generosity of a bereaved family whom we never knew - she received a new, transplanted kidney.  The following Christmas we cried as we toasted "Sidney" - as Mum's new 'friend' had been named - and this was  quickly followed by another to  thank that family who would undoubtedly be having a difficult time following the loss of their loved one.

Now Joan could (almost) throw away the diet sheet;  she was able to visit her elderly mother some 400 miles away in Scotland;  she went on holiday to France, New York, Mauritius and Tenerife;  she saw her two daughters grow into lovely young ladies; she took golf lessons - and much more. Joan cherished that kidney.

Sadly, in February 2010 Joan died from an unrelated  medical condition that suddenly overtook her.  Despite all of this "Sidney" continued to function right to the end.  Thanks to that donation and transplant Joan had been able to value every moment of that 'bonus' eight years she had been given.