Marvellous Megan cuts the ribbon at the Waringstown Cavalcade

Hundreds of cars, motorbikes and tractors drove in a spectacular convoy through the pretty village of Waringstown to Lurgan and back.

The Waringstown Vintage Cavalcade has been an annual event for over 50 years raising money for the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund. This local charity is instrumental in raising vital funds for research into kidney disease and the promotion of organ donation.

Megan has suffered from kidney disease since she was five years of age and received a life saving kidney transplant when she was just twelve. Fifteen years later at the age of 27 she is living life to the full with her love of food and powerlifting. She got married in April.

Megan has always wanted to help those with kidney disease and she is starting to make that difference. She is currently a PhD student in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queens University, Belfast. She is studying to improve sexual health awareness among patients with chronic kidney disease.

Megan says: “I have been reflecting on my life and when I think of the little girl who was fighting for her life to the woman that I am becoming, I start to get emotional. I always wondered if I would be here and doing all of these amazing things and because of my donor, I am. I can live my life and make the difference for renal care!"

Chair of the charity, Susan Kee said: “We are delighted to have Megan having the honour of opening this fun event. She is such an inspiration for all kidney patients. We thank her for helping us in ‘Lighting the Way’.”

Carla Lockhart MP has congratulated all those involved in another very successful Annual Waringstown Vintage Cavalcade.

The MP called by to speak with the organisers and commend them for their efforts.

The DUP representative said: “This is a wonderful annual event, that is much anticipated by the people of Waringstown and beyond.

"It is always a delight to see the range and number of vintage vehicles that take to the road. So much work goes into restoration and upkeep and the dedication of the vehicle owners is only matched by the organisers of the event and their desire to raise funding for charity.

"The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund will no doubt benefit greatly from the generosity shown by the public on the evening. That is good news, all for a wonderful charity that is so strongly connected to the Waringstown area.

"I want to thank the organisers and all supporters of this fantastic family event, and I am sure like others I am already looking forwards to next years spectacle.”