A TOTAL of 22 riders are on track to take part in the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF) Charity Race next Saturday. This will be the 34th edition of the race and it is expected that it will see the total funds raised surpass the €2 million mark.

The race was established in in 1990 by James Nolan from Kilcullen, Co Kildare, who received a life-saving kidney transplant from his sister Catherine Doyle in 1987. After regaining his health, James launched the charity race to give back, and even rode in the first 13 editions, famously winning in 2002 aboard Nero’s Dancer at odds of 50/1.

All proceeds support kidney-related research and initiatives, while also raising crucial awareness about organ donation in Ireland.

The race’s title - “Have the Conversation – Say YES to Organ Donation” - captures its deeper mission.

“Don’t leave your loved ones in doubt. Have the conversation. It makes all the difference,” says James.

The race is due off at 6.30pm next Saturday and all 22 riders have successfully completed their assessments at RACE.

Web: pkrf.ie

CHARITY RACE RIDERS

Amy Bannister Bell (Wales), Sarah Browne (England), Ella Budds (Cork), Paul Burns (Down), Sarah Costello (Clare), Raymond Crowe (Kildare), Christopher Denny (England), Gary Dowling (Kildare), Neil Durcan (Wicklow), Kerrie Gillespie (Kildare), Rob Harrison (Longford), Tommy Howard (Clare), Dorota Kulikowska (Poland), Sarah Leahy (Limerick), Kate Macklin (Italy), Jennifer McGrath (Wexford), Triona McGuinness (Dublin), Siobhan Nolan (Clare), Nicky O’Connor (Kildare), Ciara O’Sullivan (Cork), Liam Phelan (Tipperary), Ella Shanahan (Limerick).