Giving thanks for the gift of sister’s new life

The fundraiser is being led by Train Station Gym co-owner Jonny O’Brien and his sister Alceina O’Brien.

Jonny, well known for his long career with Corrib Rangers FC, has long been a passionate advocate for fitness, teamwork and community. Alceina, who lives in Loughrea, underwent a life-changing kidney and pancreas transplant at St. Vincent's University Hospital in late 2024.

Jonny had previously hoped to donate a kidney to his elder sister, but although he was deeply disappointed not to be a suitable match, he has channelled that into organising this event to give back to the organisation that supported his family.

Alceina, a mother of one, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her twenties while in her final year of nursing. Over time, complications led to kidney failure, and by 2019 she required dialysis three days a week for four hours at a time, for five years.

“When Alceina became ill, it was incredibly difficult watching someone you love go through something you can’t fix,” said Jonny.

“Like any family member, I felt helpless at times. When the opportunity came to donate my kidney, there wasn’t a second thought. I just wanted to help.

“For various reasons it didn’t work out, but thankfully everything worked out for the best, and today Alceina has received her double transplant and is an absolute inspiration in how she has come through it all,” he added.

His Fitness Funday will begin at 10am and everyone is welcome to drop in at any time, whether to take part, listen, or simply enjoy a chat over complimentary tea and coffee. Activities will run until 5pm, with something for all interests and fitness levels.

The day will conclude with a raffle for fantastic spot prizes which is organised by Alceina and Jonny’s father, Tommy O’Brien.

Throughout the event, there will be opportunities to hear powerful lived experiences and conversations about fitness, health and resilience and the gift of life through organ donation and transplantation.

There will be IKA collection buckets on the day – or you can support online via iDonate by searching for ‘Alceina’s Fitness Funday’.

This Saturday, Alceina and other IKA Galway branch volunteers will host information stands as part of the IKA’s kidney health campaign for World Kidney Day.

Information stands and collections will take place at Dunnes Stores, Knocknacarra and Terryland, and ALDI in Westside, Athenry, Mountbellew and Loughrea.

All are encouraged to call in, learn more about kidney health, and support the work of the IKA.

For more information visit www.ika.ie/kidneyhealth or www.ika.ie/worldkidneyday