My 2023 challenge for Kidney Research Uk...

During 2023 I am walking the distance of Land's End to John O'Groats, that's over 1,000 miles.

Hello, my name is Charlie. I'm 13 years old and I am in renal failure awaiting a life saving organ transplant.

At the age of 8 years old I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) a condition known as Nephronophthisis (pronounced NEFRON-OP-THESIS), it caused my kidneys to stop working when I was 11 years old.

I was added to the NHS transplant waiting list on Christmas Eve 2021.

In December 2021 I had an operation to allow access for a treatment called peritoneal dialysis (PD) I had to have PD for more than 10 hours a day, every single day. In total I was on PD for 533 days and received 5,605 hours of treatment.

In June 2023 I had an operation to have a central vascular line (CVL) put into my heart and neck artery, in July I had to have the same operation again as the first CVL failed, this means that I can now receive Haemodialysis (HD) and I am hopeful that this will make me start to feel better until I can get a transplant. I had HD at the hospital for four and a half hours, 3 times a week. My parents are now trained and can carry out the treatment at home, I now have HD 4 times a week.

Why am I raising money for Kidney Research UK?...

Kidney Research UK allowed me to talk to some researchers about the work they are carrying out. The research going on behind the scenes is incredible and will allow a better quality of life for people living with kidney disease. I spoke to one researcher and she told me there are a lot of inequalities in treatment for paediatric Kidney disease. I would like to see more funding for paediatric research because I DON'T WANT ANY OTHER CHILDREN TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH WHAT I AM GOING THROUGH.

Kidney Research UK fund research that allows a better understanding of the kidney’s biology, health and disease. This research has made life-saving drugs and life-changing technologies possible. Their research is saving many lives, including those of babies, children and teenagers just like me. All of the money I raise during 2023 will be donated to Kidney Research UK.

This year will no doubt bring about new challenges for my own health but it’s important to stay positive and that is why I am determined to maximise fundraising opportunities in 2023.

Along my virtual Journey from Land's End to John O'Groats in addition to raising money for charity I want to raise awareness about organ donation and the importance of Sharing your wishes.

Thank you for reading my Just Giving page. Donations of any size will be gratefully received and make a huge difference to everyone living with CKD.

Charlie 😊

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HAVE YOU CONSIDERED BEING A LIVING DONOR?

If you are interested in donating a kidney to Charlie as a living donor, please call his Living Donor Team on 0115 9691169 ext 79405

"What better gift to give than the gift of life"