The last 3 months have been a testing time for all. It has been a time of reflection and a time where our physical and mental health has had a huge impact on our daily lives. Whilst working from home and supporting others daily, my usual active lifestyle has been a struggle to maintain.

A few weeks ago my daughter spoke of her close and dear friend (a young Black male who would like to remain anonymous) who needs dialysis 3 times a week so that he can survive whilst desperately awaiting a kidney donor.  She told me how positive he is and how lucky
we are that we don’t need to worry about being wired up to machines for so many hours a week to stay alive. 

This young man is a talented footballer and unfortunately is unable to play due to his current health. However, his constant enthusiasm and optimism is something I find very moving and inspirational. I informed her that maybe a donor could be found for him if we try to support him and this charity.

As a result I have decided to honour him and the good work of Kidney Research UK – The Andy Cole Fund. I will complete a challenge of:

• 1 million steps in 2 months (62 days)
• From Sunday 31^st May 2020 – Friday 31^st July 2020). 
• This works out to be a daily target of over 16,000 steps (which I will complete at home through Jogging, Walking, Zumba and Pilates).

On completion, my daughter Sonam Sandhu (@sonamfit123) and friends will do a Dance Flashmob in Derby (details to follow).

I began the challenge on Sunday 31^st May to coincide with JD’s 25^th
Birthday and I will put my weekly results on this page for evidence.

Please take some time to read JD’s story in his own words… words which broke me into tears…

“Hello, I live in Derby and I was born with Chronic Renal Failure.  I was born with zero kidney function and had to survive 7 years through a peritoneal machine. At age 7, I was blessed with a deceased kidney from a donor, which for the next 18 years changed my life.

I’ve done a lot in those 15 years and I have tried to help as many people as I can, and for the last 2 years I’ve focused on highlighting talent and other political agendas in Derby.

Now at the age of 25, my only kidney that was keeping me alive has now failed…leaving me no choice but to attend the hospital 3 days a week for a total of 12 hours in order to remain alive.

I want to carry on spreading positive energy to the people of Derby and to the world. The only way I can live my life with a pinch of normality is by asking for help for the first time in my life. Please help me” - JD

Please help support this charity and this young man so that he is able to live a long healthy life and let us recognise the daily struggle for him and all those who are experiencing this life-threatening condition.  We’d be so grateful!

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I am supporting Andy Cole. Please join me in supporting his cause! Andy has set up the Andy Cole Fund alongside Kidney Research UK to help people like him, who are living with kidney disease. The money raised goes towards vital research into transplants and the best ways to support patients mental health and well-being. If you've been moved by Andy's goals or his transplant story, whether you're part of the football family or know how this condition or a transplant can change lives, now's the time to join Andy's Fund and finish kidney disease for good. So lets get united and change the game for kidney disease together!