Story
<p><strong>Silent killer....</strong></p>
<p>PKD stands for Polycystic Kidney Disease. It is more prevalent than multiple scelorosis and affects more people than the sickle cell anaemia, Down's syndrome, haemophilia, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis combined!!!! However, there is less awareness of this particular disease and therefore research is not as well funded!!!!!</p>
<p>PKD causes cysts to grow on both kidneys, which reduces kidney function and can lead to dialysis :(</p>
<p><strong>My Family's Past</strong></p>
<p>My Dad had this disease and has now had both of his kidneys removed and therefore is now on dialysis, waiting for a transplant. As his kidneys failed he became more ill to the point where he was taken into hospital for a long time as he was continually bleeding out. I remember trying to do my GCSE's while this was happening and it being a very hard year. Even though now he is on haemodialysis the problems haven't ended there and is at this moment in hospital as the doctors try to figure out what it wrong with him. Everyday is a constant battle. </p>
<p>When I was 12 years old I was diagnosed with PKD and know that one day in the future that could be me too. They have caused me pain but so far everything is looking good. Nevertheless I still have to be careful about my salt intake to ensure I keep my blood pressure low, which can be a pain.</p>
<p><strong>The Future with the PKD Charity</strong></p>
<p>I am currently studying pharmacy and know how difficult it is to get new treatments to market. The PKD charity helps raise awareness and provides support for people affected by PKD and also funds research into the causes of PKD, the possible treatments and one day a cure. The more money we can raise for the PKD UK charity the more people we can help and so there is a better chance of finding a cure. Maybe we will have a better chance than my Dad and any future children, including possibly my own to have an even better chance.</p>
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<p>What better way to invest in the future? I am going to walk 12 miles for everyone who has and knows of someone with PKD, please, please sponsor me. Any money you could please give would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>To keep track of our training progress check out our blog:-</p>
<p><a href="http://12milekidney.wordpress.com">http://12milekidney.wordpress.com</a></p>
<p>or our twitter feed:-</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/12milekidney">https://twitter.com/#!/12milekidney</a></p>
<p>We now also have a facebook page, which you can like to find out more details.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/12milekidney">https://www.facebook.com/12milekidney </a></p>
<p>Thank you so much.</p>
<p>Ashleigh and Josh</p>
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<p><em>(Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.)</em></p>