A message from Daryl.........

I guess my story starts in 2015, when my Dad was sadly diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. Despite putting up one hell of a fight, his diagnosis all too quickly became a terminal one, we lost him in December the same year…Fast forward to 25th May 2022, which coincidentally would have been Dad’s birthday! I’m standing at the loo - having that last wee of the day, when something changed. Instead of the usual clear/straw colour, the flow changed to Crimson. I was peeing blood! This was a symptom I knew all too well from Dad. I went to bed, told my wife, then thought to myself ‘Well I know how this plays out…’

In reality of course, speed of diagnosis is everything! I went to the doctors immediately, the NHS has been faultless throughout! It was indeed later confirmed as Kidney cancer, and a rather aggressive form of KC too! Since diagnosis, I’ve had my right kidney removed, then 3 months of chemotherapy, as unfortunately there was evidence that some cancer had broken free of its kidney home.

If caught early enough, you can live perfectly well with one kidney. Surgery for many will provide the cure. Unfortunately given what they do (filter all our blood) if any cancer breaks free, it does have access to a ‘super highway’ and can spread to the liver, pancreas, bladder, lungs and even the brain. Pretty much anywhere that blood flows, it can reach…

My story doesn’t end here. I’m now under the care of St Barts Hospital in London. With the prospect of some specialised tried and tested treatments, plus some new approaches if needed. This, I am sure will be the Silver bullet to keep me alive and well for a long time!

I’d been keeping friends/family updated via Facebook at key moments, such as when Mr Kidney done an ‘Elvis’ and left the building! Often adding a bit of humour to sweeten the pill and take the fear out of the situation. I realised early on, I have Cancer, but Cancer doesn’t have me though! At this point, Mark approached me having been moved by my story to date - with the wish to undertake a ‘mega-bike challenge’ for a charity of my choosing. I’ve not cried often through everything, I’ve kept a positive outlook and ‘stiff upper lip’ at all times. But I don’t mind admitting, Mark’s selfless offer caught me off-guard. The fact that someone would think of me, and take on such a monumental task is both mind-blowing and heart-warming! Thank you Mark x

There was only one charity that would fit the bill, Kidney Cancer UK. The support they have provided behind the scenes, not just for me, but to sadly thousands in my situation is amazing! Having daughters, my mind and fears turn to ‘Is this hereditary???’ We all want to keep our children safe, and we all have kidneys right? So if Mark’s astonishing efforts helps to remove their risk from this unwelcome family heirloom, then that would make my day…

Thank you for taking the time to read. If you are able, please, please dig as deep or as shallow as your pockets will allow. The journey from St Barts to Clacton is tough enough on a train, I can’t begin to imagine doing it on a bicycle!

A message from Kidney Cancer UK..........

Kidney Cancer UK is the UK’s leading specialist kidney cancer charity here to listen, inform & support kidney cancer patients carers and their families.

Amongst the many things we do the vital funds raised by your generous fundraising events go towards raising awareness of the disease, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and supporting research into of a disease that sees over 12,500 diagnoses every year and almost 5,000 people lose their lives. This has to stop.

Thank you for your support.