My name is George and I live in Hampshire, England. I’ve always preferred to be the person helping others, but kidney disease has had a profound impact on my family, and I wanted to do something positive to support people living with kidney disease.

My 39-year-old son has chronic kidney disease and has been dependent on dialysis for more than three years. He is a dad to a one-year-old son and is a passionate data analyst, despite dialysis taking over much of his life.

He now spends around 12 hours every week connected to a dialysis machine. While dialysis keeps him alive, it can leave him exhausted and unable to do the things most of us take for granted – including spending as much time with his young son, working and enjoying the things he loves.

Seeing what kidney disease has done to my son and the effect it has had on our whole family has made me realise just how much support people living with kidney disease and their families need.

My challenge

I’m a keen race walker and love a challenge despite being 71-years-old! I’ve decided to take on three half marathons in three months, with the three races representing the three times a week my son has dialysis.

All three half marathons will take place in Battersea Park, London, on 5 December 2026, 9 January 2027 and13 February 2027 all starting at 10:30 am.

Each one will be a challenge, but knowing that I’m doing it to support people affected by kidney disease will keep me going.

Why I’m fundraising for the National Kidney Federation (NKF)

I’m raising money for the NKF because it supports people and families living with kidney disease across the UK. The NKF provides information, advice and support through its Helpline and peer support services, while also campaigning for better kidney care.

Kidney disease can affect every part of someone’s life, as I know only too well from seeing what my son has been through. I want my fundraising to help the NKF continue being there for people facing their own kidney journey.

Thank you for supporting me and helping me turn something that has been incredibly difficult for my family into something positive for others.