Tour de Kidney - South West

(in aid of Kidney Research UK)

A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with Myeloma (a form of blood cancer) and kidney failure (a common symptom of this type of cancer). My treatments are ongoing, but have included 9 months of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. As a result the Myeloma is in remission, although I'm tested regularly to monitor progress. Unfortunately my kidney function has not recovered which means that I still need regular dialysis - 4 hour treatments, 3 times a week. Earlier this year I was added to the waiting list for a organ donation.

As you can imagine its been tough at times but keeping active and being able to get out on the bike and ride with a group of friends has been an important part of my recovery. I had been relying on an electric bike for assistance, but I've now parked that and returned to my old road bike! So the next challenge is ............

200 mile cycle ride around Somerset and Devon - stopping off for dialysis sessions along the way. The ride will take place w/c Monday, 18 August;

Mon - Dialysis in Bridgwater

Tue - Cycle to Barnstaple (70 miles + 6,447ft ascent)

Wed - Dialysis in Barnstaple

Thu - Cycle to Exeter (66 miles + 5,217ft ascent)

Fri - Dialysis in Exeter

Sat - Cycle to Bridgwater (65 miles + 3,865ft ascent)

Given the total mileage and the hills - Quantocks, Exmoor, Dartmoor and Blackdown - combined with my ongoing treatments, its going to be a challenge, but its for a good cause - Kidney Research UK.

I've three main aims;

1. To raise awareness of the importance of organ donation, and how it can completely change and extend another person’s life.

Successful organ donation can transform chronically ill people with a high risk of dying and a poor quality of life, into “healthy” people.

2. To raise funds for Kidney Research UK to support the work they do undertaking research and delivering change for people affected by kidney disease.

The target is to raise £2,040 which represents £5 for every session of dialysis I’ve had since January 2023.

3. To prove to myself that despite all that I’ve gone through in the past couple of years I can still do it!!

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page and thank you for your support. I look forwarded to keeping you updated on my progress.