Sir Jack Brabham on the side of the
Angels
Australian racing car
legend Sir Jack Brabham will be on the side of the
Angels today when Kidney Heath Australia officially
recognises three Queensland residents as special Kidney
Health Australia Angels this morning at the Princess
Alexandra
Hospital.
Sir Jack Brabham and Lady
Margaret Brabham, Patrons of Kidney Health Australia,
will be present for the ceremony and will visit the
dialysis unit of the hospital following the
presentation.
Anne Wilson, Chief
Executive of Kidney Health Australia said the official
recognition of such a diverse range of people from so
many walks of life reveals the many faces of kidney
disease of which one
in three Australians is at increased
risk.
Chronic Kidney Disease is
responsible for the highest number of hospital visits to
public hospitals in Australia. In 2007 / 2008, 12.6% of
all admissions to public hospitals were due to
dialysis.
"Operation Angel
recognises and promotes the work and care carried out by
hundreds of people daily in hospitals and medical
clinics to assist over ten thousand Australians to
remain alive on dialysis. It also recognises the
commitment of family, friends and work colleagues of
kidney patients."
Kidney Health Australia
Angels being recognised today
include:
Angel - Mrs. Cheryl
Harris
Mr Kenneth Harris was
diagnosed with glomerulonephritis 13 years ago, 8 years
of which were spent dealing with the task of regular
haemodialysis. Fortunately Kenneth received a transplant
in 2007 and by his side has been his amazing wife and
constant support, Cheryl Harris.
Over the
last 8 years Cheryl has been involved with Kidney
Support Network by visiting the renal wards on the
coast, talking to patients and their families and
liaising with the nursing staff and
specialists.
Angel - Mr. Matty
Hempstalk Kidney Support Network - SunshineCoast
Branch
Matty has had kidney failure since
he was a young child. Having had two kidney transplants
and been on dialysis, he tirelessly assists others with
kidney disease through his work in the community.
Matty is the manager of the Sunshine Coast
Kidney Support Network and is also a trained Kidney
Health Australia volunteer speaker, peer support
volunteer, kidney capers and kidney kids camp volunteer.
Matty coordinates transportation services for dialysis
consumers in Nambour, Caloundra and Maroochydore and can
be seen driving the transport bus himself when duty
calls.
Angel - Dr Peter de
Jersey
Dr Peter de Jersey commenced his
Medical training on the 29th February 1960 having
received a scholarship to train as a general physician
from the Department of Health at Princess Alexandra
Hospital in Brisbane. Dr de Jersey has
worked tirelessly for 32 years throughout the Northern
Area as Director of Nephrology Services, covering Cairns
Base Hospital, Mackay Base Hospital, Townville General
Hospital, Mt Isa Base Hospital and many other outreach
services supporting the care of renal
clients.
Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson,
Chief Executive, Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400
165 391
Ron Smith, National Media
Communications, Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329
201
Media
Release 28
July 2009