I am running the London Marathon in April 2026 for the amazing Kidney Care UK, inspired by my good friend Nikki and her daughter Ayla.

Their story below:

Ayla was born in February 2018, a happy and active child. During potty training in 2020, her parents noticed frequent daytime and nighttime accidents despite her progress. Initially, Nikki and Kev thought this was normal, but Ayla began to suffer recurrent illness—fatigue, fever, and back pain. Between September 2020 and July 2021, she had eight confirmed UTIs, each treated with antibiotics.

When Ayla started nursery in March 2021, the frequent accidents continued. Despite challenges, her parents persisted in seeking answers. She was placed on long-term antibiotics to prevent infections and was told she might have an overactive bladder, though scans showed no structural issues.

After developing resistance to her first medication, she was switched to another. In February 2023, at age four, Ayla underwent testing at LGI, which revealed a smaller, scarred left kidney functioning at 37%, with the right at 63%. Further investigations in July 2023 confirmed vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). In May 2024, under general anaesthetic, tests showed stage 3 VUR in her left kidney and stage 1–2 in her right, along with an overactive bladder. Surgery was recommended to correct the reflux.

In January 2025, Ayla bravely underwent surgery to repair both ureters after her right-side reflux had worsened. The procedure was a success, and she is now medication-free after more than two years of daily treatment. However, due to kidney scarring, she requires ongoing blood tests and monitoring for hypertension.

Any donations to this amazing charity would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you so much!