✨ Steps of Hope: Supporting Alport UK & Gloucestershire Kidney Patients' Association

✨ Steps of Hope: Supporting Gloucestershire Kidney Patients' Association & Alport UK

💚 Our Kidney Story

2025 was a daunting year — but we made it through.

My husband, Craig, has Alport Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that gradually reduces kidney function. We also know that our daughter Izzy has Alport Syndrome, so this condition is very much part of our family’s story and our future.

In June 2024, Craig’s kidney function declined to the point where he needed a transplant. We were incredibly fortunate that friends and family came forward to be tested as potential donors. After months of assessments, in January 2025, I was approved as a donor.

Although my kidney was suitable for Craig, it wasn’t the best match. So we entered the National Paired Exchange Programme — and amazingly, we were matched on our first attempt.

On 14 April 2025, I donated my kidney as part of a three-way transplant chain, enabling Craig to receive a better-matched kidney in return. We are now adjusting to post-transplant life, which has been much harder than we imagined, and we couldn’t have navigated this journey without the support of others.

💚 Why We’re Fundraising

To me, fundraising has always felt a little like therapy — a way of focusing my mind and turning a difficult time into something positive.

This time, we are raising money for:

Gloucestershire Kidney Patients’ Association – raising awareness of kidney disease and organ donation, and supporting people at every stage of kidney disease, from early diagnosis through to dialysis and transplant.

Alport UK – a patient-led organisation dedicated to empowering individuals and families living with Alport Syndrome, helping them achieve the best possible quality of life through support and information.

Chronic illness can be a lonely place — and I say this for all chronic conditions. People care, but often only see the brave face you present to the world, not the reality behind closed doors. This is something I have really struggled with.

Both charities have connected us with incredible people, many of whom have had transplants and are now living full, healthy lives. That hope of a brighter tomorrow has meant everything to me.

💚 My Challenge

Starting on 31 March 2026, I will walk a marathon a day for five days.

I’ll be walking east to west across Gloucestershire — from Lechlade to Highnam — stopping at Forest Dialysis Unit and Severn Dialysis Unit along the way.

It will be physically tough. I know there will be fatigue, sore legs, blisters, moments of doubt, and probably a few tears.

But whenever it feels hard, I’ll remind myself that living with kidney disease is harder.

Every step is for families like ours, for those on dialysis, for those waiting for a transplant, and for everyone who believes in the life-saving power of organ donation.

💚 How You Can Help

If you’re able to support, we would be so grateful — whether that’s through a donation, sharing this page, joining me for a few miles, or cheering from afar.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps fund research, support families, and bring hope to people facing kidney disease.

It’s also really important to share your organ donation wishes and register your decision:
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/donate/

If you are happy to donate your organs, please have this conversation with your family so they can support your wishes.

Thank you for being part of our journey 💚