Bundoran woman undertaking mini marathon for Irish Kidney Association

A Donegal woman will participate in the VHI Mini Marathon to raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association. 

Bundoran’s Maria McLaughlin is no stranger to challenges, having completed a skydive in 2019. Maria will participate in the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday, May 31. 

The Irish Kidney Association and organ donation are causes close to Maria’s heart as her mum, Amanda McLaughlin, has lived with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) for 28 years. 

“Unfortunately, last year she became reliant on dialysis three times weekly to do the job her kidney can no longer do,” Maria shared. “As you can imagine, although this is a life-saving treatment, it also takes a huge toll on your personal and work life as you have to be on this machine for hours at a time, multiple days of the week.” 

“The Irish Kidney Association not only support people with counselling, advocacy and financial aid, they also help in allowing individuals staycations with homes near hospitals all over Ireland so that people can receive their treatment while being able to have a well-deserved getaway with their nearest and dearest. 

“This is only a fraction of what the Irish Kidney Association do, they really are a lifeline to those who require their help.CKD affects 1 in 10 people, young and old. If you can give a little, it goes a long way.”

If you would like to donate to Maria’s fundraiser - Maria McLaughlin's Fundraising Page - for the Irish Kidney Association. 

READ NEXT: Group raise over €40,000 for charity through 3,000km drive from Glenties to Germany

The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon 2026, which serves as an opportunity to challenge yourself and raise funds for your chosen charity, takes place on Sunday, May 31.