Bev and Lisa’s 3 peaks challenge

HERE’S MY STORY

I suffer with PKD, polycystic kidney disease which eventually leads to kidney failure. It’s hereditary so most of my family suffer from it too. I’ve lead a very happy and active life, not giving into this disease but also not letting too many people know about my problem. But eventually I had to face facts as failure loomed and I had to start looking at and preparing for dialysis as I knew my life would be drastically affected. I’d always kept myself relatively fit as I knew what was in store for me so I embarked on trying to find a live donor. To cut a very long and eventful journey short as there were many dramas, pitfalls, disappointments, heartaches and even a hospital change over the 2 year journey! I put out a Face Book appeal as I realised if no one knew of my plight then no one could help. The response was unbelievable. My husband has supported me wholeheartedly all the way through and was gutted that he couldn’t donate and so were 2 of my close friends who went all the way with extensive tests plus many other very very special friends who desperately wanted to donate and for all their support I’ll be eternally thankful. But then my absolute saviour Lisa Chapman, a very dear friend of nearly 25 years came up trumps and again after another eventful journey became my live kidney donor. And now I’m over the moon that we’re able to say we’re celebrating our 1 year Kidneyversary. I’ve always been outdoorsy and active rock climbing, fell walking and mountain biking and I’ve even climbed Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua in Argentina. And now Lisa joins me and loves walking. SO we’ve decided to take on the 3 Peaks Challenge! We really want to raise awareness for Live Donors. We want people to realise that they can donate one of their kidneys and still lead a very full and active life and to watch the recipient enjoy life to it’s fullest. It’s an amazing time. Also we want to really thank the renal team at St James hospital Leeds for all their amazing work. Which without them we wouldn’t be here today doing this. They are truly our hero’s. We’ll be logging all our training walks and keeping you all up to date as we all go along. We’re doing the 3 Peaks challenge on the 7th of June 2024. So we’re going to be busy. We really do hope you can share all our exploits to help us raise awareness and funds.

Many many thanks for taking the time to read our story and hope you can support our cause.