Transplant Team Ireland - Rachel and Valerie shine

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Rachel and Valerie shine

Written by Colin White
Thursday, 04 September 2008
Twenty-two year-old Co. Meath woman Rachel Eagleton won two gold medals on the tennis court at the 5th European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Wurzburg, Germany, yesterday. Having captured the singles title, Rachel later teamed up with Valerie Twomey to add the doubles to her collection. Rachel, who hails from Bettystown, received a kidney transplant in 1996. “The illness came on suddenly. Within a week I got sick and was brought to Temple Street Children’s Hospital where I it was discovered I was suffering from renal failure,” said Rachel, a regular medal-winner at European and world games. ““I was on home dialysis for a year. It was for 12 hours every night but I was young so it didn’t bother me. I was on the transplant list for eight months which is good compared to others.” Valerie won a bronze in her singles competition to complete a good day for Ireland on the tennis court. Valerie is from Crosshaven, Co. Cork, and she received a new kidney three years ago. Over the past decade, she has undergone a quadruple heart bypass and received a new kidney, and last year told her story at a symposium held in the EU Parliament buildings to mark the launch of World Kidney Day. “I spoke at the conference because I am passionate about raising awareness of organ donation. There is a dire shortage of organs here in Ireland, and I would appeal to people to carry organ donor cards at all times. Organs can do so much good here on earth, just as the one I received two years ago has done so much for me,” she said. You can follow the team’s progress on www.transplantteamireland.com. For an organ donor card free text the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050 or log on to www.ika.ie for more information.