I developed Chronic Kidney Disease back in 2017. It was a shock, something completely unimaginable and slightly surreal. I knew it was severe, but I wasn't thinking about a transplant...I thought there would be some miracle that would save me. This didn't happen, and the disease progressed rapidly. By the end of 2018, I was placed on the transplant list and preparing to start dialysis.
I received a Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney (SPK) transplant on 4th July 2020, spending several weeks recovering in hospital. The care, attention and dedication the nurses and doctors at Addenbrookes showed me was incrediable. They were there for all my needs, especially those first few days when I was hooked up to a number of machines and had 8 tubes inserted into various parts of my body. I said to myself back then that I wanted to repay them but my recovery took longer than expected so I wasn't able to straight away. However, now I'm much better and ready to take on a challenge. I'm raising money in aid of Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust's transplant campaign, which helps provide the team with much-needed cutting-edge equipment, a better patient experience, and more high-dependency beds.
So, what will I be doing? I'll be running, jogging or walking 5km a day for the whole of April.
If you'd like to read more about my story, here are a couple of links that you might want to read.
More information about Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust: Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust is the only charity dedicated to changing patients' lives at Addenbrooke's and the Rosie hospitals. Whether it's treatment for an emergency, acute condition, pregnancy or long-term illness, we believe that every patient deserves the very best care. With the help of many generous supporters, we provide cutting-edge technology, additional specialist services, vital research and extra comforts for patients over and above what is possible through NHS funding alone.
Organizer
Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust
Beneficiary