Yes...you've read that right, I'm taking on the Sheffield Half Marathon this year! It will be the first time I've run a half marathon since 2006 when I was obviously much younger. Not sure I was much fitter though so I'm hoping that with some training the run will be more enjoyable than the Great North Run I took part in all those years ago.

I've decided to support the renal team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals who do a fantastic job supporting around 4,000 people with kidney disease. Before I started working here in January 2017 I had very little idea about kidney disease, what it was about or entailed, but after speaking with patients and health professionals over the last two years I've begun to realise how long term the disease is and how it affects every aspect of your life.

Liam, a young man I met through his fundraising for Sheffield Hospitals Charity, explains it better than I can. He was diagnosed with kidney failure a week before his 21st birthday and said: “Having kidney failure can be extremely hard, both physically and emotionally at times. I’m quite strong minded and I do believe I’m lucky as there’s many people worse off than me. I only ever really find it tough when my condition has stopped me being able to do the things I love, such as my job. Dialysis can be tiring, and I still have off days where I feel completely drained. There have also been times where I’ve missed out on a social life, such as holidays with friends and weddings. Things like that are quite tough emotionally as you feel like you’re missing out on a lifetime of memories.”

Sheffield Hospitals Charity has funded so many improvements that have made a real difference to kidney patients including:
• Comfortable chairs for waiting rooms
• TV’s for patients to watch whilst on dialysis
• Cutting edge research

Living with kidney disease is not easy, it can be debilitating. But it should not take over your life. The renal team take great care of patients to ensure this is the case.

With your support, the charity will ensure that the renal team continues to provide world class treatment and that every kidney patient can receive the best possible care. Thank you for your support.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.