We are running the 2024 London Marathon in aid of Northern Ireland Kidney Patient Association (NIKPA) and Marie Curie in memory of our father in law, John Martin.

John was an avid NIKPA supporter since receiving his kidney transplant during Covid in July 2020. John & his wife Margaret enjoyed many day trips and excursions set up by the NIKPA charity for transplant recipients and their families. It was a chance to catch up with other patients, their families and nurses to enjoy each others company and share the craic! John’s life improved dramatically after the transplant, enabling him to travel freely, attend events and spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren, without the constraints of being on dialysis for 6hrs 3 times a week. NIPKA is a charitable organisation, dependant on fundraising throughout the year. This local charity was extremely close to John’s heart, and we have chosen this as one of our fundraisers for the London Marathon 2024.

More recently, John was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer - liposarcoma. The Marie Curie nurses provided invaluable care & support for John and his family. Marie Curie provided essential equipment, medication and comfort for John, along with support to Johns’ wife and four children. This included night sits from the Marie curie nurses which was a fantastic support and reassurance to both John and Margaret; especially as John was being cared for at home. Therefore, we have chosen Marie Curie as the second charity for our fundraising efforts.

Please donate what you can, as both these charities provide invaluable care and support to patients and their families.