Organisers double Manchester City Run fundraising target to $2m
Published:Tuesday | June 4, 2024 | 12:10 AMNatrawn Wright/Gleaner Writer
In a significant gesture of support, Dr Gabriel Ukala, head of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Mandeville Regional Hospital in Manchester, last week donated $100,000 towards the Manchester City Run, through Lt Col Garfield Green, custos of the parish.
The media launch came ahead of the June 9 run, a continuation of last year’s successful event.
Green stressed the importance of the annual event which is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for renal patients at the Mandeville Regional Hospital.
Among those patients is Marva Swaby, who is currently undergoing dialysis.
“I’ve been at the renal unit here for going on eight years and I can tell you something, I am happy but I’m sad, because what I see Sister Marika Davis-Miller and her staff go through is not an easy job. But, because they are put to the task, I think that’s why they can continue for so long, with those long hours and stuff,” said Swaby while giving her testimonial.
Ukala commended the entire staff of the Renal Unit, including Dr Kristen Little and Dr Kayris Foster, for their hard work and dedication. He praised their daily efforts to improve the lives of their renal patients and highlighted their participation in the 5K Run, which, through raising awareness for kidney disease, attracts more participants and sponsors for the event.
“I would like to thank the custos of Manchester once again and other stakeholders who are partnering with the Renal Unit at the Mandeville Regional Hospital to make this event a reality. We pray for its success. On a personal note, my wife, Dr Sonia Reid-Ukala, and I would like to kick off this event on behalf of the Ukala Medical Foundation by donating a token of $100,000 to the Renal Unit,” said Ukala.
The donation comes at a crucial time, as the group aims to double last year’s fundraising target from $1 million to $2 million. In his speech, Green emphasised the event’s mission and the need for widespread support.
“This event stems from our commitment to helping those suffering from kidney disease and providing them with the care and support they deserve. One year ago, we organised the Manchester 5K Run to raise funds and awareness for the renal unit and its patients. The overwhelming support and enthusiasm from participants and sponsors inspired us to make this an annual event. This year, we are dedicated to creating a greater impact and helping those in need. The 5K race was a huge success, and we are excited, ladies and gentlemen, to make this year’s event even better. But we need the support of everyone – sponsors, participants, and, of course, the media. They help us to get the word out there,” said Green.
The Manchester City Run is expected to be an impactful event, bringing the community together for a noble cause and aiming to surpass previous achievements in support of kidney disease awareness and patient care.