In May 2017 we lost our beautiful baby boy Luke Crawford to kidney and liver failure at the tender age of 11 weeks. In his final few weeks Luke’s care was undertaken by the Renal Unit in the Royal Victoria Children‘s Hospital, Belfast. A medical enigma Luke challenged and fought to his last breath. The staff went , and continue to go in their research, above and beyond their call of duty.

During his time in the Renal Unit we saw the lives of so many children and their families dominated by the many causes of kidney failure . Happy, Smiley children who know no other way of life other than spending their time in hospital, undertaking treatment and awaiting transplants.

The Northern Ireland Children‘s Kidney Fund supported us during this time and continue to support the many many families and children in renal care need.

As an independant charity children and families benefit directly; the purchase of dvd players, gaming devices, games help relieve stress, boredom during hospital stays or dialysis isolation. Laptops and tablets are provided to allow children to keep up with school work.

The Fund contribute to expenses caused by additional lengthy stays as well as allowing childrens teams to attend the British Transplant Games. Families are subsidised to allow family breaks and help given to facilitate home care.

Funding is also provided for research and training.

So what are we doing to raise funds for this fantastic cause?!

On the 7 May 2018 over 25 of Luke‘s family and friends are taking on the Belfast City Marathon by taking part in ‘Baby Luke‘s Big Run’. So far we have 4 relay teams , 2 walkers, several under over and 16 fun runners and a full marathon runner signed up to take on the challenge- we expect this number to increase.

For many of us who are not known for our running prowess it is already proving to be quite the challenge!!

May 2018 marks Baby Luke’s one year anniversary so we would like to remember him by doing something together, hopefully fun and raising as much money as we can to help those families and children that need the charity every day.

That‘s where you come in. Please Please donate what you can, any spare change big or small and if you would like to come out on the day and cheer us on we would love that too. Every single penny will go towards the charity and help improve the lives of those who need it.