Lauren Devoy Carroll from Cabra “sobbed tears of delight” with her mother after completing the VHI virtual Women’s Mini Marathon in just over two hours using her baby brother's pushchair as her walking aid.
Ms Carroll was born with a chromosome disorder causing her to be visually, hearing and physically impaired, and decided to undertake the mini marathon to raise organ donor awareness and funds for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA).
“My mother had suggested that I do the marathon over ten days trying just a kilometre a day but, when I got started pushing Pascal along in his buggy, I just wanted to keep going and only stopped for a water break,” Ms Carroll said.
“My kidney donor was on my mind when I was doing it. I feel so happy that I did it all in one go. My family and friends have encouraged me and supported me. It’s great that I have raised money for the IKA which can hopefully go to helping other people like me who have kidney failure.”
Proud
Ms Carroll underwent a kidney transplant when she was 12 years old following nearly three years of dialysis treatment at Temple Street Hospital.
Her mother, Gillian Devoy, said her daughter had endured so many operations she had lost count: “Lauren has had so many operations since she was a baby that I have lost count, but I estimate the figure is now as much as 86.
“I am so proud of her and we both sobbed with tears of joy when I walked beside her as she completed the mini marathon pushing my son Pascal along, and using his buggy as a support as she would otherwise have had to use her wheelchair.”
“She now has a mini marathon finishers medal which has pride of place in the house and will always be a treasured souvenir of her huge achievement and a memory from Covid-19,” she said.
“She is really a little miracle. She is a really bright intelligent young woman who has faced so many challenges and she still has such a positive attitude to life and always has a smile on her face,” Ms Devoy added.
