Today is #WorldKidneyDay and although this day comes around every year, this year it really means something to me. There are currently 850 million people worldwide living with kidney disease. This is not OK. I'm joining the fight by walking 10,000 steps a day in March. Kidney Research are asking people to take part by completing 8,500 steps a day but I've decided to set a personal target of 10,000 steps per day.

Kidney Research is relevant to me because, when I was 9 years old, I received a kidney transplant, and as a result, the greatest hero I never met was the organ donor who saved my life.

I'm shielding for the second time in nearly a year, and it's making me realise how fortunate I've been for the past 19 years, and how I wouldn’t risk anything that could result in me losing my kidney. 

5 years ago, my life took a bump in the road, which made me come off my immunosuppressant drug to allow my treatment to work. I found myself signing a consent form saying that I was aware my body could reject my kidney during treatment. Thankfully, with my steroid being increased,  this allowed my kidney to pull through a massive huddle. I can’t explain how grateful I am that my kidney managed to keep itself ticking along in that crazy time! 

I have been completing the challenge by doing step walking workouts on YouTube, Zumba( I know I’m no Beyoncé but I get such a buzz from it), running around my garden or just putting good tunes on and jumping about. 

This challenge has been good motivation for me as my mental health hasn’t been great due to shielding for the 2nd time and I should be back at my work but it is what it is and I know I need to keep myself safe. Positive thoughts🤞. 

If anyone has any more indoor ideas( not running)then please, let me know😊

I know times are tough just now but if anyone could donate to help this amazing charity, I would greatly appreciate it❤️.

Kidney disease ends here.

Thanks,

Róisín 

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