UNTIL an ‘unmatched’ effort raised £100,000 in less than a year, those facing kidney dialysis faced an exhausting 242 mile round trip three times a week, regardless of the weather or time of year. However, thanks to the community spirit of Kintyre and beyond, fundraising efforts and donations from local organizations meant that the Kintyre Kidney Dialysis Campaign were able to fund a special unit within the Campbeltown Hospital equipped with the machines, meaning travel time to Glasgow can be avoided. This was a phenomenal effort which has changed lives and removed the stress of the often 12 hour days to the Vale of Leven Hospital for treatment. When the campaign began, campaign treasurer Ronnie McNally said, "we wanted to make people aware of what those receiving dialysis had to go through to receive treatment but this really caught the attention of the general public and people truly sympathised with what the patients and their families were going through. We never expected the community of Kintyre and beyond to rally round with such generosity, it was an overwhelming response and we are extremely grateful for their support. We are also extremely grateful for the nurses who volunteered to man the unit and who put in three months training away from home to make this vision a reality.’ The support group is hoping to keep raising money to keep the unit open in future years. Anyone wishing to donate can send a cheque to: The Kintyre Kidney Dialysis Support Group, CO Ronnie McNally, 51 Crosshill Avenue, Campbeltown, PA28 6LJ or by putting spare change in collection boxes around the town. Once again, on behalf of all involved, thank you and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas.