Support Team

Joanne Gettings

Geoff Fletcher

Christine Fletcher

31 cyclists, ranging from 20 – 61 years of age, both male and female and of varying ability, will be cycling from Whitehaven to Sunderland between the 15 and 17 June 2012 on a Coast to Coast cycle ride covering 135 miles, with overnight stops at Penrith and Allenheads. This will be a personal challenge for all taking part, and also an opportunity to raise as much money as possible for the chosen charities.

The Renal Research and Education Fund was chosen following a member of staff having a successful kidney transplant at the Freemans Hospital, Newcastle on the 16 Jan 2011. Prior to the transplant Phil Davis (Story below), had several years of severe renal failure and associated illness’s. Phil has worked for John Morfield Ltd for over 23 years and is a valued member of staff. Once he returned to work in July 2011 he felt that with the support of family and friends, and in the companies’ 50 year, he would like to give something back by raising funds for research into Renal failure and associated treatments.

Details of the Coast to Coast cycle route can be found via www.c2c-guide.co.uk. Keep updated with the team’s progress, photographs, news and comments on the John Morfield Facebook page and the John Morfield website. You can also follow the riders fund raising efforts on this Just Giving page.

Phil’s story

Hi my name is Phil Davis, I am 52 years of age and have been married to my wife Denise for over 30 years. We have 2 grown up daughters and three grandchildren. I was born in Middlesbrough and have lived there all my life. I have worked for my current employers, John Morfield Ltd for over 23 years and up until 5 years ago, generally I was in good health.

After tests I was referred to the Renal Investigation Unit at the James Cook University Hospital (JCUH, previously South Cleveland Hospital) in Middlesbrough where I was informed that I was suffering from deteriorating kidney function. It became clear that my quality of life was changing, with my kidney function being greatly affected by my diet.

In March 2010 Dr Main advised me that, due to my continued poor Kidney function, I was being referred to The Freemans Hospital, Newcastle to be considered for a kidney transplant. After consultation with Professor Talbot I met the criteria for a transplant and my name was added to the national organ recipient list. On Jan 15th 2011 I received a call from my transplant co-ordinator advising me a kidney was available that was a good match.

The Doctors and nursing staff at the Freemans Hospital ward 6A, gave me "total and absolute care" and at every stage of my three weeks in hospital, bestowed a great deal of confidence that the transplant was a success. I have so much gratitude for my donor and their family, for giving me the chance of a better quality of life. I do have some details of my donor but this is not the right medium to share these details.

I receive regular support and consultations from Dr Main and the Renal nursing staff at JCUH and I want to give something back, to the Renal departments at both JCUH and Freemans hospital. In addition I want to raise the profile of Renal disease, it’s cause's and the treatments that are available. Also, to make people consider registering for the Organ Transplant List: www.uktransplant.org.uk

My transplant has been life changing; I have more energy and a better outlook on life. My immune suppression medication is for life but is a small price to pay for a healthy outcome.

Just Giving

We've joined together to raised money for charity. You'll see our team fundraising target on the right. Your donation can really help us smash this goal

Remember: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never share them with anyone or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. They'll make sure Gift Aid (an additional 28%) is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer, too. That means more money goes to the charity, faster, with JustGiving.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

(All monies raised will be donated to the Renal Research fund. All associated costs, such as accommodation, transport, and food will be met by the participants.)