By LIZ GRIFFITHS [email protected]
A golf event held in aid of an Algarve resident in need of a kidney transplant raised 600 euros this month as news of a friend being a possible match increases hopes of a healthier future.
Golf 4 Rod, held at the Pestana’s Alto Club in Alvor on December 12, raised the money towards the ongoing fundraising for Rod Smyth, 49, who is suffering from kidney failure and has been on dialysis for 10 years.
Sixteen players took part in the Turkey Texas Scramble, which was won by a team headed by Paul Marsh and all teammates took home a prize turkey. Jonnie Pratt from Bistro des Z’Artes in Almancil provided well received nibbles for the players at the ninth hole.
Rod Smyth was on the waiting list in Portugal for a kidney transplant but after suffering a minor stroke following an operation he was removed from the list.
Having the transplant in the UK will mean costly hospital and living expenses as Rod is no longer a UK resident. His wife, Touchelle, family and friends have been fundraising tirelessly holding various events in the Algarve since the beginning of the year.
Tara Smith, 18, has organised a Car Boot Sale 4 Rod taking place tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday in Algoz.
The sale will be held between 11am and 3pm on both days at the vacant shop next to the Post Office in Algoz.
Items can be left at the shop, Let the Magic In, in Algoz, which will then be transported to the shop for the sale.
Tara has organised the event through her own initiative and encourages people to bring along anything they no longer need.
“If we all work together, we can change people’s lives for the better. I met the family quite a while ago and want to help them. They are kind, generous people and I would like to be able to help them have the future they deserve,” Tara Smith said.
There has also been positive news that a friend of the Smyth family may be a possible match for Rod.
Touchelle Smyth told the Algarve Resident: “We have a friend who has put herself forward to be tested. We know she is blood compatible and are yet to establish if she matches in the other required areas.”
Touchelle has also been tested and recently received news that she would be eligible for the transplant in the UK. However, as they are not blood compatible, it would mean the operation would be more expensive and there would be an increased risk of failure.
For further information about Car Boot Sale 4 Rod call Tara on 969 737 435.
For more information about fundraising for Rod, please visit the website www.run4rod.com, call Touchelle on 919 910 139 or email at [email protected]
