Running 4 Renal

On 19 August 2018 I will be running the Two Tunnels Half Marathon in Bath, UK to raise money for the Dialysis Unit at the Leeds General Infirmary. The LGI is currently providing life-saving treatment to my cousin Florence, who has just turned 3 years old.

Florence was born with a number of birth defects, collectively known as VACTERL Association. Seven areas of the body can be affected with mild, moderate or severe afflictions. Flo has 5 of the 7 defects including dysplastic kidneys that have resulted in end stage renal failure. She currently has life saving Haemodialysis 3 times a week at the Leeds General Infirmary (“LGI”) and Peritoneal Dialysis 3 times a week at home, she is currently the only child in Yorkshire receiving both forms of treatment.

There are 13 specialist centres in the UK treating approximately 800 children with renal replacement therapy or haemodialysis and a further 100 children receiving Peritoneal Dialysis at home. For some children this treatment is given until such time as a transplant can be given, this may be weeks, months or years of travelling to and from hospital for up to 4 hours of therapy. Sadly, for some children a transplant will never be a viable option and renal replacement therapy will be required for the duration of their lives.

Flo is an amazing little girl with the heart and resilience of someone much older than her 3 years. She and her family have been through so much, so I hope to raise as much money as possible to support her and the hospital that has already done so much for them. Any donation, no matter how big or small, would be greatly appreciated.

-Meredith