I'm raising £5,000 for Wales Transplant Football Team

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Along with three members of the Transplant team, John Murphy , Stewart Cleaver and Rob Bailey we will be taking on the British three peaks 24 hour challenge. A huge undertaking that will require a massive commitment from us all.

The Wales Transplant Team stands for respect,resilience and opportunities, creating a space where every individual feels valued beyond their medical journey. It provides a platform for Transplant recipients and those involved to rebuild confidence, improve wellbeing and reconnect through the game. The organisation is driven by care,commitment and a responsibility to support both current players and future generations. At its core, it exists to unite people, honour thier journeys, and ensure no one walks this path alone.

Stewart’s story

Defender for Wales Transplant Team and Swansea City supporter. Stewart was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease as a teenager, as was his brother. This happened when their mum found out she had the condition, and it had been passed on genetically.

For Stewart, aside from annual check-ups at the renal clinic, his life was largely unaffected by kidney disease until his early twenties. Then his situation became serious.

Stewart says: “It affected my blood pressure, and I had a brain haemorrhage. I realised then how serious things were. My kidneys slowly deteriorated and eventually I was added to the transplant waiting list.

“In 2012, I began haemodialysis. I was connected to a machine for four hours, three times per week at the unit after work. Dialysis is tough on your body but also on your mental health. It’s a drain on your life and affects everything. I was on dialysis for five months. I know I was lucky because some of my teammates were on dialysis for several years.

“The call for my transplant was the best thing. It’s hard to describe – I thought it was a wind-up at first! It was a shock but exciting. Lots of nerves and emotions. I was just praying it would be a match. Thankfully it was.

“It was unreal how well I felt when I woke up after surgery. Everyone told me I looked so much better. I will be forever grateful to my donor. I felt for them and their family a lot, and always will. Their kindness in death means I get to live a normal life. It’s a fantastic gift.

“I’ve always played football, and when I saw in the transplant clinic there was a team, I thought ‘I’ve got to go and meet them!’

Then an opportunity to walk British 3 Peaks is an opportunity that does not come along often. I am looking forward to the mental and physical challenge, and I hope that this will inspire anyone waiting for an organ transplant.

My name is Rob Bailey and I am the Goalkeeper Coach for Wales Transplant Football and am also a 'live donor'.

My eldest daughter Hollie, was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure at the age of 13 which turned our world upside down. However, she was lucky enough to receive a Transplant in 2006 and her quality of life improved dramatically for a long time allowing to have a 'normal' life! Unfortunately in 2014 the kidney function dropped significantly which led to Hollie going on dialysis to keep her alive. Both myself and my wife Clare were tested as live donors to see who may be the best match for Hollie and in December 2015 I donated a kidney to Hollie just before my 50th birthday.

I was back on my feet in a few weeks and ran the Cardiff Half Marathon last October to celebrate 10 years being a live donor but the 3 Peaks Challenge will top that as we look to raise awareness and funds to ensure transplanted athletes get opportunities to play the sport they love

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