A special charity reception held recently at the Armagh Palace by Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Tim McClelland has recognised the contribution of Kidney Care UK in providing dedicated support to local people and their families affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Speaking afterwards Councillor McClelland said: “Throughout my term as Deputy Lord Mayor, and amongst many other issues, I have been particularly keen to give support to two important causes – the needs of our local rural and farming communities and local people affected by kidney disease.
“That’s why I was honoured to host charity volunteers, kidney recipients, people undergoing dialysis, kidney donors and families at the Armagh Palace to recognise the work of Kidney Care UK and to help to highlight this important cause in our community.”
Also commenting Jo-Anne Dobson, who is a living kidney donor and Charity Ambassador for Kidney Care UK said: “I want to thank the Deputy Lord Mayor for his continued support for our work and for his civic recognition of the work of Kidney Care UK in supporting people and families affected by kidney disease across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area.
“Originally planned to coincide with World Kidney Day, but postponed because of snow, I want to especially thank Councillor McClelland and the Council staff for working so hard to get us back on track. It was an emotional night for so many of us as we remembered those who are sadly no longer with us while also celebrating the power of Organ Donation as we made plans to meet the future need within our local area.
“So many people helped to make this special evening possible but I especially thank kidney recipient Alison Jennett from Banbridge. Alison, along with her mum and dad Linda and Ivan with Hannah McClennaghan and Chris Bartlet, make up accordion quintet ‘The Lockdown Ensemble’ who kept our toes taping throughout the evening.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh Tim McClelland hosts a Reception for Kidney Care. Photo by Liam McArdle
“Kidney disease affects so many people and it’s a privilege for us to deliver patient-centred support when it’s needed the most. As a charity we fund innovative projects across Northern Ireland which are making a real and lasting difference to peoples lives and we continue to ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone.
“We can’t do this without the generous support which we receive from the public and I want to thank everyone who helps us in any way to make life better for people affected by kidney disease.”
Councillor McClelland continued: “Becoming an organ donor is a topic which is so often left unspoken until it affects a family member and that’s when they need the support of Kidney Care UK the most and I’m honoured to continue to support and recognise that vital work.
“That’s why I want to pay tribute to Jo-Anne for the important work she and the charity are doing. Jo-Anne has dedicated her life to promoting this cause and I believe in the local borough, as well as right across Northern Ireland, we are indebted to her for this and to Kidney Care UK for their ongoing vital work.
“In recognition of that work and to pay tribute to the charity I was delighted to host this reception and to present Jo-Anne, on behalf of Kidney Care UK, with a civic plaque.”
