Lana and her brother Liam

Eight year old kidney transplant recipient Lana Devine and her family and friends will play their part in highlighting organ donation and honouring organ donors when they participate in the Irish Kidney Association's Run for a Life. Lana and her parents, Emer and former Meath footballer Jody Devine along with her younger brother Liam (4) and her aunt (Emer's sister) Sinead McNamee will take part in the charity family Fun Run/Walk which will take place at Park West Business Park, Dublin 12 on Saturday, 13th October commencing 12 noon and will coincide with European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation.

Lana received her life changing kidney transplant in 2008 when she was just four. Lana was born with dysplastic kidneys, a condition which means that her kidneys didn't develop fully while in her mother's womb. She was a patient of Temple Street Hospital who managed her condition from birth and for two years prior to her transplant she received nightly dialysis treatment, six nights a week, for 10 hours at a time. They were delighted when in August 2008 Lana was called for her life saving transplant.

Lana's mother who works in Kells Town Council has secured the support of her work colleagues including Emer Tunney , Elaine Carolan and Helen Sheridan and Sandra Doherty who will also take part in Run for a Life.

Speaking in advance of Run for a Life, Emer Devine said, "we are so happy that Lana is now a happy healthy child who can enjoy a normal childhood which is thanks to organ donation. By taking part in Run for a Life we want to honour Lana's donor as well as all organ donor families whose generous act has given people with organ failure a second chance at life and touched so many lives around them including their families".

Run for a Life is organised by the Irish Kidney Association and the main sponsor for the event is pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma Co. Ltd. It will coincide with European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation which takes place on the same day.