Westmeath pit-stop for charity cyclist

by Emily Sheehan

Peter Conboy, originally from Ballygar, Galway, is to embark on a 240km 'Cycle of Life' to raise funds, and awareness, for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) and the importance of organ donation.

Beginning on Wednesday, July 31, not only is Peter completing the five-day journey, but is towing a dialysis machine alongside him, supplied by B. Braun medical supplies; symbolising the journey of patients on dialysis towards a life-saving transplant.

Peter's inspiration for the journey comes from the experience of his wife, Liz – Elizabeth – Ferry; who, diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at age 13, was a patient at Temple Street Children's Hospital, enduring peritoneal dialysis at home for six nights a week, eleven hours at a time, until a donor kidney became available less than a year later.

Peter's journey is to conclude at the symbolic Circle of Life Commemorative Garden in Salthill – honouring the family of Liz's donor, who chose to donate their organs 22 years go.

Travelling east to west along the banks of the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and the Midlands Greenway, Peter is due to stop both in Mullingar and Athlone on August 1 and August 2 respectively.

Alongside representatives from IKA, Peter will be present at the Joe Dolan Statue in Mullingar and at Golden Island Shopping Centre in Athlone, where he will be available to chat to locals wishing to offer their support.

Speaking on the importance of organ donation, Peter reflected on Liz's experience.

“This was the first chapter in a new life for Liz, enabling her to complete her college degree, travel the world, marry me, and enjoy life to the full.”

“None of this would have been possible without the selfless decision made by her donor’s family. We are eternally grateful.”

Despite not being a seasoned long-distance cyclist, while having to balance a full-time job with Irish Water and his sheep farming duties, Peter is determined to complete the 240 km, five-day journey.

Peter will be greeted in towns along the route by IKA branch volunteers, with a welcoming party planned upon his arrival at the Circle of Life Commemorative Garden; including Martina Goggin, who, along with her husband Denis, was involved in the creation of the Garden.

The final stretch from Oranmore shall see Peter accompanied by Eoin Ryan, whose wife, Michelle Geraghty, is also the recipient of a kidney transplant.

Within the excitement for her husband's journey, Liz reflected on her own kidney journey.

“As a young teenager, facing an uncertain future with chronic renal disease was incredibly tough.”

Recalling how her “confidence was shaken” and how she “often wondering what the future would hold,” Liz continued to say that “the gift of a donor's kidney gave me a future that most people take for granted.

“It allowed me to meet the love of my life and share a wonderful life with Peter.”

With little time left before he is due to begin, Peter noted:

“I’d love for people to come out to meet me in the towns I stop in along the way, or give me a wave if they see me, but most of all I hope I will remind people to support the work of the Irish Kidney Association and also to share their wishes about organ donation.”

“ I encourage everyone to carry a donor card, note their consent on your driving license with code 115, or set up the organ donor app on your phone.”

Liam Ferguson, the Managing Director of B. Braun, commented on the significance of the journey.

“B. Braun is delighted to provide Peter with a decommissioned dialysis device to accompany him on his epic cycle from Dublin to Galway,” with Ferguson commending the “creative way to raise valuable funds and awareness for an outstanding charity.”

“With three community-based renal care centres across Ireland, we know first-hand that life-sustaining dialysis treatment is a journey in itself for both patients and their families. We wish Peter every success on his journey.”

Those wishing to donate to Peter’s fundraiser can do so online at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/cycleoflife.

Additionally, upon his visit to each town, there will be a QR code available to make a donation.

Regular updates on Peter’s progress will be posted on his dedicated social media pages, Facebook @Cycle of Life and Instagram @cycleoflife24, allowing supporters to follow his journey and meet him along the way to cheer him on.