Laois heart transplant recipient launches IKA's Run for a Life 2022

A Laois mother of three whose life was saved in 2020 by a heart transplant, is encouraging everyone to support a nationwide family fun run to highlight the importance of organ donation.

Denise Geoghegan, 41, from Mountmellick and her son Caeden, 9, joined with three other transplant recipients on the banks of the River Shannon to launch Run for a Life.

Heart transplant recipient Denise Geoghegan and her son Caeden from Mountmellick, Co Laois; Liver transplant recipient Tomas Caffrey, 22, from Holycross, Tipperary; kidney transplant recipient Cathy Smyth with her son Donnacha and husband Ger Harrison, from Coosan, Athlone; and former Clann na nGael goalkeeper Phelim O'Neill, a kidney transplant recipient from Athlone, Co Roscommon.

Following two false calls, a seriously ill Denise received her lifesaving heart transplant at the Mater Hospital in Dublin in 2020.

Seven friends of Denise will be taking part in the new '7x7 challenge' in this year's Run for a Life including her friend Karen Ravenhill, from Tullamore (pictured below with Denise at the launch).

The Irish Kidney Association’s third virtual Run for a Life will take place between May 21 and 28.

People from all around Ireland and beyond are invited to take part and to post their photos on social media, using #RFAL2022.

This year the 7x7 Challenge has been introduced to to shine a light on the profound life affirming act of organ donation and that one Organ Donor can Save 7 Lives.

IN PICTURES: Laois Bike Week cyclists get into gear

Registration is €10 per person or €25 for two adults and two children. Choose to run, jog or walk 2.5km, 5km or 10km during the week, once or as many times as you like.

The Run for a Life 7x7 Challenge has a discounted entry fee of €7 pp for groups of 7, with a free t-shirt for everyone who gets sponsorship of €7 or more each from seven people.

See www.ika.ie/runforalife and www.justgiving.com/campaign/ IKA7x7Challenge2022