Fundraising for Kidney Patients:

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I am an Associate Professor of Paediatric Nephrology (Children's kidney diseases) in Southampton and President of the Wessex Kidney Patients Association. I have been working in nephrology since 1989. I have seen close up the devastation that kidney disease causes to families and individuals. It is very intrusive, limiting what patients can eat and drink. There may be frequent and sometimes prolonged hospital admissions. Dialysis can take up large amounts of time. All of this can cause significant financial hardship.

The Wessex Kidney Patients Association is dedicated to empowering kidney patients on their journey to health and hope. We provide unwavering support, education and resources to those affected by kidney disease to allow them to fulfill their potential.

In support of the WKPA I undertook a challenge of 3 runs and three swims three runs and three swims:

Three Runs:

During the week of 8th to 15 March I completed the three runs:

1. The New Forest Maverick trail run (16 km/10 miles) on 8th March, accompanied by my Daughter, Liz.

2. On World Kidney Day, Thursday 13th March, I ran from Southampton General Hospital where the children's kidney unit is based to the Queen Alexandra Hospital where the adult unit is based. (35 km or 22 miles). I was accompanied by Mr Keith Graetz, transplant surgeon from the QAH, Dr Sarah Bostock, Consultant adult nephrologist from the QAH, and Sisters Claire Kelly and Louise Kipping, nurse specialists in paediatric nephrology at Southampton. Time 4 hours 14 minutes.

3. Two days later on 15th March ran the Jurassic Express Trail run (17 km/10.5 miles) Time 2 hrs 15 minutes.

Three Swims: Chillswim Triple Crown.

I completed the following swims:

1. 21st June: Coniston Water in the Lake District (8.5 km/5.25 miles)

2. 12th July: Ullswater (12 km/7.5 miles)

Unfortunately, I did not complete my final challenge. On 6th September I started the swim of Windermere. I really struggled. I was very tense, my breathing was wrong and I swam very inefficiently. After 4 miles I was very slow and very tired. I realised I would be stopped because I was taking too long so I dropped out.

I am, however, swimming the Eton Dorney 10 km swim on 21st September!