Mother and son step out to raise money for kidney research

WARRINGTON mum Claire Smith and her seven-year-old son Will are embarking on an exacting challenge this Christmas to raise vital funds for charity.

Walking 8,500 steps a day throughout December to represent the 850 million people worldwide living with kidney disease, Will and Claire will be raising money for Kidney Research UK to help fund research to improve treatments.

Will, who has already raised nearly £400 of his £500 target, was diagnosed over the summer with Berger’s Disease and Henoch-Schonlein Purpura disorder, both of which are forms of chronic kidney disease. The diagnosis came as a complete shock to the family, after Will felt unwell, doctors discovered his kidneys had started to bleed which led to a stay at hospital and subsequent tests confirmed his diagnosis.

Mum and son have both had to adapt to the new reality of living with kidney disease. While Will’s condition is currently stable, he has had to make frequent visits to hospital whenever his kidneys begin to bleed as a result of contracting a mild cold or cough. More intensive treatment may be on the horizon if his kidneys go into failure.

Claire said: “Hearing that your son has been diagnosed with a serious and long-term condition like kidney disease is a particularly daunting experience. However, with the love and support of our family and friends, along with the dedication of medical professionals, Will and I are living each day to the full. Looking to the future, we don’t know what might happen. We hope that treatments have advanced by the time Will needs them.

“Supporting and raising money for Kidney Research UK is a step in the right direction in advancing future treatments and giving hope to thousands of kidney patients like Will.”

Will is currently at the very start of his journey with kidney disease. His conditions will continue to damage his kidneys throughout his life, potentially leading to dialysis and even transplant. There is no timescale on the level of deterioration and when or even if Will’s kidneys will fail. The family are hoping that investing in research now will deliver a significantly better future for him..

Marc Shaw, head of community and events at Kidney Research UK said: “Patients with kidney disease are well aware that they face a life of difficult treatments without a cure. Dialysis and transplants are far from straightforward and are not permanent solutions. Research needs to transform these gruelling treatments and deliver life changing outcomes for kidney patients.

“By taking on our Step into Christmas challenge our supporters like Will and Claire are helping us further the crucial research and developments that make living with kidney disease easier for everyone.”

To support Will and Claire over December you can visit www.justgiving.com/Claire-Smith303. For more information on kidney disease and the latest research, you can visit www.kidneyresearchuk.org.