Why I’m Taking On This Challenge: A Timeline of Love, Loss, and Hope

Ten years ago, I cycled London 2 Paris to raise money for Kidneys 4 Life.

My father-in-law had been diagnosed kidney failure and needed a transplant. I was fortunate enough to be able to donate to him, being a direct match.

Steve recovered from transplant well but devastatingly got diagnosed with cancer less than 9 months later and sadly passed within 10 days after being diagnosed. He made the most of the extra time he received, and our family made the most of every day with him. Those final months were filled with love, resilience, and gratitude, and Lisa, his daughter, and my wife, was right beside him through it all.

We knew that Lisa had the same condition as her dad but hoped her kidney function wouldn’t deteriorate to the point of her needing a transplant in the future. Unfortunately, it has, and she too needs a life-saving kidney transplant.

Living with that reality, and remembering everything Steve went through, is what drives me now.

This year, I’m setting out on a new challenge to raise money again, not because it’s something I should do, but because it’s something I need do.

And I’m not doing this alone. My business partner and long time friend of more than 25 years, Lynn Manir-Jolley, is taking on this challenge with me. Her support has been incredible.

“Supporting Ryan and Lisa means a great deal to me personally. They’re not just people I admire — they’re people I care about. Standing beside them this year feels like the most natural thing in the world, and I’m proud to support something that matters so much to Kidneys for Life is a Manchester based charity that funds research, equipment, and education to improve the lives of people with kidney disease. Their work focuses on better treatments, earlier diagnosis, and supporting renal patients and staff across the Northwest of England them.”

Lynn Manir-Jolley

Potential Realised Social Responsibility

Lynn and I are incredibly proud to be supporting this, not just personally, but as a business. At Potential Realised, we’ve always believed that stepping up for others is part of who we are. Social responsibility isn’t just a value we talk about; it’s something we live.

This year, we’re standing firmly behind Kidneys for Life, a cause that means so much to us. And we want our whole team to feel empowered to join us. That’s why we’re offering paid time off for anyone who wants to get involved and help raise money.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact. This is our chance to show what it truly looks like when compassion and action come together, as individuals, as colleagues, and as a community.

We are pleased to announce that Kailin our Learner Experience Manager will be joining Lynn and I. Welcome on board Kaitlin.

Why Kidneys for Life Matters More Than Ever

Kidneys for Life is a Manchester based charity that funds research, equipment, and education to improve the lives of people with kidney disease. Their work focuses on better treatments, earlier diagnosis, and supporting renal patients and staff across the Northwest of England.

Their work helped Steve. Their work will help Lisa. And their work is helping thousands of people who are waiting for a life saving transplant.

How You Can Help Us

Every donation, no matter the size, will help Lisa and others living through the uncertainty of kidney failure.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, a story that began with Steve and continues now with Lisa.

Thank you for standing with us.

Ryan and Lynn