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We will be completing the Virtual Great North Run on 13th September 2020 for Kidney Research UK. 

Due to Covid-19 the event cannot go ahead as normal so competitors are completing the 21.1 kilometer race remotely, using an app. We plan to complete a course around Derwent and Howden Reservoirs and have completed a trial run.

We have set out why we are doing this below, and anything you can give will be most welcome. Thank you in advance for your support!

Andy's Story

My other half, Jenna, has lived with renal failure for the past 14 years. She has since undergone two kidney transplants, has been on dialysis, is on a shed load of medication and her health is constantly under review. The money raised from the run will go towards vital research into better quality of life treatments (such as dialysis and transplantation), therefore supporting her and others living with kidney problems.

I decided to take on the challenge for her having seen first hand how hard it can be for those living with chronic illness, particularly during lockdown and whilst being subjected to shielding measures.

This is a bit of a couch to 21.1km effort and my aim is to just complete the course with my dignity intact! I suspect I will moan more about my knees over the next few weeks than Jenna ever has about her health!

Des's Story

As well as supporting my brothers partner Jenna as above , my father in-law Evan recently found out that he now suffers from kidney failure. He is currently under assessment to manage the disease. So far he has not had to go through transplant or dialysis but both are a constant threat.

I decided to take on the challenge having been text by Andy one evening, clearly half cut, thinking he would smash the 21.1 kilometres. Other than the obvious support for this cause, I thought it was my duty as his brother and regular runner to make sure he knew what he was doing, actually trained for the event and that he didn't die trying 😅.

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