Boxing champ Brian joins the fight for more organ donors
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Lisburn boxer Brian Magee joins Dr Eddie Rooney, Chairman, Westfield Health British Transplant Games and Orla Smyth, an athlete, who had a transplant three years ago, to encourage the people of Northern lreland to join the NHS Organ Donor Register by simply texting, signing or going online. |
LISBURN boxer Brian Magee has taken on another fight by encouraging local people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register by simply texting, signing or going online.
Brian, who recently retained his European super middle-weight title, has joined Orla Smyth, an athlete who had a transplant three years ago, to encourage people to join the Register.
The trio are supporting the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon's nominated charity, Transplant Sport UK, in a bid to raise funds which will be used to highlight the urgent need for donors in Northern Ireland. Brian will be running the marathon's relay, while Orla will be taking on the full marathon on Monday May 2 2011.
Brian, who is on the Organ Donor Register himself, became involved with Transplant Sport UK through his friend, BBC Sports presenter Stephen Watson, who received a transplant himself a number of years ago.
Brian said: It is only a signature. You never know when you would need something yourself. You never know when tragedy strikes and hopefully something good can come from something bad."
And turning to his decision to run the marathon's relay, the champ admitted: "I will probably train harder than I do for any of my fights. This is a great cause and I am glad to take part in it."
Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency and Chairman of the local organising committee for the Westfield Health British Transplant Games said: "I am absolutely delighted people will be running to support Organ Donation at this year's marathon. If anyone should need convincing of this wonderful cause they should also join us at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in August 2011 which are being held in Belfast.
"Belfast will be celebrating with athletes of all ages and who have been given a chance to live and compete because of the extraordinary gift of donation.
"The people of Northern Ireland have the power to make a difference - please, please join us in our efforts to make a difference by signing up to the Organ Donor register and discussing it with family and loved ones."
Three people die in the UK every day awaiting a transplant, and in Northern Ireland alone, 300 people are currently on the waiting list - you can make a difference by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register and discussing your wishes with you family.
For further information please visit www.transplantsport.org.uk and join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 1232323 or text SAVE to 84118.
Ulster Star
22/10/2010
