Kintyre dialysis group gifts bench to further support kidney patients
THE GROUP behind the phenomenal effort to install a dialysis unit in Campbeltown has donated a bench to commemorate the fundraising efforts of Kintyre people.
Opened last Au- gust, after a successful campaign which saw £100,000 raised, the unit has transformed the lives of local patients who need dialysis treatment by stopping excessive travelling times to Glasgow. Donald MacDonald, from Gigha, is one of two current patients using the unit, which saves him hours every time he needs to use it.
He said: ‘It has made a huge difference to my life. It is much better coming to Campbeltown than going all the way to Glasgow every time.’
Ronnie McNally, treasurer of the Kintyre Support Dialysis Group (KSDG), said: ‘We have donated the bench for patients and staff to sit on when they need a break.
‘It really does not seem that long ago since it opened, and I am still very proud of the achievement of everyone involved. It was difficult but so worthwhile.
‘Within five minutes patients from Campbeltown can now get home, rather than an eight-hour round trip to Glasgow every other day.
‘With the treatment considered, that was 11 or 12 hours a day – on a good day if everything went to time.’
On the fundraising efforts, which drew national media coverage, Christine MacPhail said: ‘That is the Kintyre community. If it is a good cause, they will put their hands in their pockets.
‘A group in Bute are now trying to replicate the unit because they can see how successful it has been.
‘It is great for visitors too because they know they can book in and use it on a trip to Kintyre, so it will benefit lots of people in the long run.’
Last Thursday KSDG held a bingo evening at Argyll Bowling Club which, supported by more than 100 people, raised £558.30.