Julie & Ffion's Kilometres for Kidneys Challenge

It's hard to believe that just last year Ffion had her kidney transplant.  To celebrate this milestone, we are taking part in the Kilometres for Kidneys Challenge to walk 63 miles (Ffion 13 miles and I will be walking 50 miles) between us from the 10th March (World Kidney Day) to the 10th April.  This is in aid of the Paul Popham Fund project to refurbish the Childrens Kidney Centre.

The Clinic is in desperate need of updating since it was first opened in 1990s.  The expert care in Children’s Kidney Centre is not reflected in the outpatient area with poor lighting and space not large enough to accommodate the number of children and their families seen there.  Consulting rooms also need modernising with flooring in some parts that has been repaired with tape where the floor has been damaged.

Many of the children with kidney disease also have other conditions which the current clinic set-up is not ideal to accommodate these.  Ffion as part of her Mainzer Saldino syndrome, has retinal dystrophy- this means that she has loss of peripheral vision and is unable to see very much in dim or dark lighting. So for her improved lighting will benefit her enormously.

Ffion also has skeletal dysplasia and will need surgery later this year, so walking this distance takes incredible courage and determination.

The refurbishment of the clinic will mean that better lighting and facilities will make visits a safer and more enjoyable experience for all.  It will also provide a child friendly environment which will calm and reassure children who are anxious.  The improved facilities will also provide an environment for the nursing staff to be proud of.  There will also be more space and will be designed with children in mind.

The cost of the refurbishment is approximately £130,000.    So please support us by donating to our Challenge.  Anything you give will make a big difference to the lives of children and their families and make their visits to Clinic that bit easier.