Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Woman to donate kidney to sister after half marathon
ACARE worker will run the Bath Half Marathon before donating a kidney to her sister.
Alison Bremner, 59, from Bishopstrow, Somerset, will take part in the event on March 17 to raise money for Kidney Care UK.
Following the run, Alison intends to donate one of her kidneys to her sister Lindzi O’Connor, a police officer who suffers from kidney failure and needs dialysis treatment three times a week.
Alison said: “Running a half marathon will be a challenge for me but it is nothing like the challenge Lindzi has faced in the last two years.
“Not only does she have to undergo gruelling dialysis three times a week, but she also somehow manages to fit this around a busy family and working life.
“To me she is a superstar and I’m honoured that I am able to help her by donating one of my kidneys.
“It felt fitting to use the opportunity to also raise money for Kidney Care UK who have been there for the whole family and who make a huge difference to kidney patients and their loved ones across the UK.”
Robert Hope, head of fundraising at Kidney Care UK, said: “As a charity we receive no Government funding so we rely on the kind generosity of supporters like Alison.
“We were incredibly touched to hear that Alison is planning to donate a kidney to her sister as well as run the Bath Half Marathon.
“Both Alison and Lindzi are an inspiration to us all and we’ll be there cheering Alison on every step of the way.”
Kidney Care UK provides emotional, practical and financial support for kidney patients across the UK. Alison added: “Now I’ve got the running bug, I hope that one day I’ll be able to take on a full marathon – hopefully with my sister running by my side.”
Alison hopes to raise £1,000 for Kidney Care UK. She can be sponsored at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alison-bremner1.