Charity Cycle of Life

Peter Conboy Charity Cycle of Life with dialysis machine in tow - July 31st - August 5th

On Wednesday, July 31st, Peter Conboy from Ballygar, Galway, will embark on a remarkable five-day 240 km distance charity Cycle of Life across the country, starting at 10.30 am from Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin, ending at the Circle of Life National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden in Salthill, Galway. Unlike other long-distance charity rides, the Galway native will tow a dialysis machine, supplied by B. Braun, symbolising the journey of patients on dialysis towards the hope of a life-saving transplant. This extraordinary endeavour aims to raise awareness and funds (through Peter’s iDonate Cycle of Life) for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) and spark conversations about the critical importance of organ donation. 

Peter’s commitment to the cause of organ donation stems from the past experience of chronic kidney disease by his wife Liz (Elizabeth) Ferry, a native of Falcarragh, in Donegal. Diagnosed at thirteen, she became a patient at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, and she endured peritoneal dialysis at home for six nights a week, for eleven hours at a time, until a donor kidney became available less than a year later. She underwent her life-changing kidney transplant at Beaumont Hospital in May 2002.

Peter’s arrival at the Circle of Life Garden in Salthill is his way of honouring the family of Liz’s donor, who made the admirable decision to donate their loved one’s organs 22 years ago, granting Liz a successful and long-lasting kidney transplant.   

The 5-Day journey is planned as follows:

• Day 1 (July 31) 10.30 am (gathering from 9.30am): Departure from Temple Street Children’s Hospital cycling through traffic for 1km before joining the Royal Canal at Binns Bridge in Drumcondra,(a short diversion off the canal through Blanchardstown village), before continuing on the canal to Maynooth and then into Manor Mills Shopping Centre

• Day 2 (Aug 1) 7.30 am: From Maynooth (Manor Mills S.C.) to Mullingar (Joe Dolan Statue) arriving around midday.

• Day 3 (Aug 2) 7.30 am: Cycling from Mullingar (Joe Dolan Statue) to Athlone (Golden Island S.C.) arriving around midday.

• Day 4 (Aug 3) 7.30 am: Traveling from Athlone (Golden Ireland S.C.) onto Ballinasloe (The Square), arriving before midday.

2.30pm approx. Leaving Ballinasloe (The Square) to Loughrea (TBC) Arrival 7pm approx..

• Day 5 (Aug 4) 7.00 am: Final stretch from Loughrea to Galway, onwards to the Circle of Life Commemorative Garden, Salthill, expected arrival around midday.

Regular updates on Peter’s progress will be posted on his dedicated social media pages, Facebook @Cycle of Life and Instagram @cycleoflife24, allowing supporters to follow his journey and meet him along the way to cheer him on.

Further information on www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/cyclelife

and on www.ika.ie