Kidney transplant boy becomes real lifesaver
By Carmarthen Journal | Posted: April 09, 2014
A CARMARTHEN schoolboy, who received a lifesaving transplant when he was just 13, has set about organising his own sponsored event after the annual Kidney Walk was cancelled in the town.
Ben Griffiths, a pupil at Ysgol Bro Myrddin, has taken part in the Carmarthen Kidney Walk with his family since before he could walk after he was born with just one kidney and renal failure.
Now 16, Ben has joined forces with his 12-year-old brother Matthew to organise their own Kidney Walk in their home village of Llangynderyn.
The boys’ mother, Einir Griffiths, who went under the knife and donated her kidney to Ben when he was just 13, after he became in desperate need of a transplant when it began failing, has spoken of how proud she is of her two sons.
Einir said: “I’m really proud of them. It’s a cause close to both of their hearts.
“We have always done this walk every year.
“I can remember pushing Ben around in his pushchair.
“But this is the first year they have not done it in Carmarthen.
“They were really disappointed when it was cancelled.
“The boys still wanted to take part so they have organised their own.”
Einir said the organiser of the Carmarthen event had stopped doing it this year, and no-one has taken over.
“It’s really sad no-one has taken over because it used to raise about £10,000.”
She said the family was aiming to raise as much as possible, and if the event is successful the Griffiths family hope to make it a regular thing.
“We have had quite a lot of interest so far.
“A lot from Bro Myrddin are going to take part, and lots of our friends and family are doing it.”
The three-mile walk is set to take place in Llangydeyrn on Sunday, April 27.
The sponsored walk, which will raise funds for Kidney Wales, will begin at the Square in Llangydeyrn at 2pm.
Einir said she also wanted to raise awareness of organ donation.
“A lot of people do not realise that transplant organs only last about 10 to 15 years. So Ben will need another kidney or more in his life.
“I think it’s really important to support the organ donor register scheme,” Einir added.
For more information about the Llangyndeyrn Kidney Walk or to make a donation to the cause you can contact Einir on 07896 962104.
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