Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page. I’m running the London Marathon in April this year and I’m running for Wessex Kidney Patients Association (WKPA). If you could sponsor me for running in this event I would be hugely grateful and all proceeds will go to WKPA who are such a special charity to my family.

WKPA have been instrumental in helping Lars who is a super hero and a special member of our family who was born with chronic end-stage kidney disease in 2021.

At just three days old he underwent surgery for PUV, and by seven days old Lars’ parents Stevie and Maisie received the devastating diagnosis that his kidneys were failing.

At four months old, Lars began dialysis. Stevie and Maisie were trained to deliver dialysis at home for 12 hours a night, seven nights a week. The toll on his tiny body was immense. Kidney disease affects every aspect of a child’s development — growth, appetite, and overall wellbeing. For two and a half years, Lars was sick after every feed, every single day, until he finally received his transplant.

Lars’ family needed support and craved a chance of normality that other families experience. They were introduced to the charity WKPA. Thanks to their support, they were able to take their first family holiday to Cornwall. Although it was daunting to travel while managing dialysis, it became one of the most special times for their family. WKPA gave them the chance to feel like a normal family and create memories they will cherish forever.

Lars received his kidney transplant on 7th June 2023. While this brought hope, the year that followed was incredibly tough, with ongoing medical care, constant appointments, and the devastating diagnosis of PTLD. At times, it felt like hospital life never ended, placing enormous emotional and financial strain on the family. WKPA continued to support them with a fuel grant, helping ease that burden and allowing them to stay together at home as much as possible.

Funds raised for WKPA will go directly towards helping families like Lars’ through the most difficult times imaginable.

Thank you again so much for any support given.