Transplant Links project in Jamaica for people with kidney failure

Transplant Links Community is a registered charitable organisation who in collaboration with Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica are providing a much-needed kidney transplant programme.

Kidney failure is a high problem in Jamaica (particularly because of the high incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure).

To date, they have worked in Trinidad, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria and Nepal.

Set-up Visit May 2013

A group of doctors from Birmingham visited Jamaica in May 2013 to prepare for the first transplants.

First transplants October 2013

The first three transplants were successfully carried out.

The project would like to return in May 2014, funding for flights/travel, project management, equipment, Jamaican surgeons to the UK is £15,000.00. Sandals have offered to sponsor the accommodation. Transplants Links would like to make two visit per year over the next 2 – 3 years 2014 – 2016.

Lignum Vitae Club is supporting this project for the next 2 – 3 years as its main fund raising.

Our first fundraising event is a sponsored walk on Sunday 18 May.

We will be walking along Regent’s Canal from Victoria Park, one of the sites for the London 2012 Olympic Games to Camden Town. We will pass through Bethnal Green, Hackney and Islington.

Along the way we pass various Markets, Stations and places of interests e.g. Chapel Market, Angel underground Station, London Canal Museum, Kings Cross/Pancras station and Camley Street Natural Park.

The walk will end with a meal at a chosen restaurant and everybody taking part will receive a complimentary drink.