Story
Our daughter Iris was born with dysplastic kidneys, and we’ve travelled the long, bumpy road of chronic kidney disease. Along this journey, we’ve met incredible families further down the path—families whose children have undergone a renal transplant. These children all go through so many tests and treatments and have a lifetime of daily medication. As a result, they develop an incredible amount of resilience and strength of character. Having a renal transplant isn’t a ‘cure’ but an effective treatment that comes with a new set of challenges and complications. This year, I’m joined by my amazing friends Beth, Colleen, and Amy, who are cycling alongside me to raise awareness and help me fund raise. By taking part in this cycle ride we are raising money to celebrate these incredible children.
Every year, children who have undergone kidney transplants at Southampton Children's Hospital look forward to a very special event: the British Transplant Games (http://www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk/). This event is not just a competition; it is a celebration of life, resilience, and hope for these young heroes and their families.
The Transplant Games provide an incredible opportunity for these children to showcase their strength and determination while connecting with others who share similar journeys. As one family beautifully expressed in a video from a few years ago, the joy and camaraderie experienced at the games are truly unforgettable. You can watch their heartfelt message here:
To help make this dream a reality for our children, we are organising a cycling event—a 100-mile bike ride from Evelina London Children's Hospital to Southampton Children's Hospital—on June 28, 2025. Our goal is to raise £3000 for Southampton Hospitals Charity to support these brave young athletes on their journey to the games.
Thank you so much for your support, I am so grateful to all my friends and family who have supported us on this journey, Hannah x