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My name is Carol. I am married to John. We have 3 children, 2 sons and a daughter. I am 47 years old and I have only one kidney due to Polycystic Kidney Disease. Polycystic kidney disease (or PKD) is the most common life-threatening genetic disease, affecting approximately 7 million people worldwide.

It is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys, characterized by the presence of multiple cysts (hence, ‘polycystic’) in both kidneys. As cysts form in the kidneys, the kidneys enlarge profoundly with fluid replacing much of their normal structure, resulting in reduced kidney function and leading to kidney failure. When PKD causes kidneys to fail the patient requires dialysis or kidney transplantation. About one-half of people with the most common type of PKD progress to kidney failure; otherwise known as: ‘end-stage renal disease’ (ESRD).

At least twenty people in my family, including my 18 year old daughter Jessica, have been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. At least five-fold, despite not having the disease, have been affected by it: including me.   

I am 47 years old and I have only one kidney because 2 years ago I gave the other one away. To my husband who at 49, was in end-stage renal failure.  This year I am running the London Marathon. It is my first ever marathon. And I am running it on one kidney. To try to help others in my immediate and extended family as well as others across Europe and throughout the world who have PKD.

Please help me by sponsoring my run in the Flora London Marathon 2008 in aid of KIDNEY RESEARCH UK.
Please donate (as little or as much as you can afford)
Please carry a donor card
Please think about becoming a live donor  

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Kidney Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.