Limavady family runs Belfast Marathon to celebrate life-saving kidney donation
At the beginning of 2025, Caroline O'Kane received her husband Liam’s kidney in a successful transplant carried out by the expert team at Belfast City Hospital
A remarkable family from Limavady took to the streets for the 2025 Belfast City Marathon on Sunday, May 4, running with heart, purpose, and gratitude.
The three relay teams made up of family and friends, are on a mission to raise awareness of kidney disease, raising funds for the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund in honour of a true kidney warrior — Caroline O’Kane, their beloved mum, wife, sister and auntie.
In March 2024, Caroline’s life was turned upside down by a diagnosis of Goodpasture Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease that led to stage 5 kidney failure in just one week.
She underwent plasma exchange, dialysis, and faced the frightening uncertainty of waiting for a transplant.
In January 2025, Caroline received Liam’s kidney in a successful transplant carried out by the expert team at Belfast City Hospital and is now monitored at her local renal unit in Altnagelvin Hospital.
Now, just months later, the O’Kane and Cassidy family got laced up to give back.
“Thankfully, my life is slowly but surely returning to normality – enjoying the simple things in life with family and friends,” said Caroline.
Their marathon effort is not just a celebration of recovery — it’s a mission to raise funds for vital research that can bring hope to others facing similar battles. They are extremely grateful for all the support they have received. All donations small or large are greatly appreciated.