Kim raises £5k for disease research

Renal patient Kim Balsdon, 21 from Patchacott, has raised £5,000 for rare disease charity atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome UK (aHUSUK) by completing a 50 mile sponsored walk.

Kim, who suffers from aHUS herself, walked from Illand near Launceston to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital over three days.

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disease that causes blood clots to form in the filtering units of the kidneys.  In most cases it is genetic in origin and it can rapidly cause kidney failure.

On Rare Disease Day (28th Feb) Kim began the first leg of the ‘Journey for Life’, a national fundraising event organised by charity aHUSUK. On her arrival at the RD&E Kim was greeted by Consultant Nephrologist Dr Coralie Bingham and members of the Exeter Kidney Unit nursing team. She then passed on a baton to the next volunteer, which will eventually reach aHUS specialist Professor Tim Goodship in Newcastle in September.

Kim decided to undertake the challenge to help raise awareness of her condition and help fundraise for HUSUK and Kidney Research UK.    

“I was diagnosed in November 2013 during my third year of university. I lead a very normal and happy life having treatment every two weeks at home. Now I am settled, I wanted to do something to help others.” Kim said. “When aHUSUK announced their 2015 big FUNdraising campaign and were looking for volunteers I thought my family, friends and I could do the job!”

Kim then began planning her Journey for Life route and gaining support from local businesses in preparation for her mammoth challenge.

Kim said: “It was hard work, but I had lots of support with 25 people joining me at various points along the way. There were highs and lows throughout the 50 miles. And all kinds of weather systems - sunshine, rain, wind, hail and snow! The end walk through Exeter was one of the best parts because we knew we had nearly reached our goal.”

“Overall, we've raised about £5000! Considering I had a £500 target I am amazingly overwhelmed! There are so many worthy causes out there and so many wonderful people donated to a cause so close to my heart it's incredible and I can't thank everyone who donated and supported enough!”

Dr Coralie Bingham, Consultant Nephrologist, from the Exeter Kidney Unit, added: “I have been involved with caring for patients with this disease in Devon for 20 years; it is very rewarding to see that now we have such effective treatment a patient can walk 50 miles over a weekend to help to raise money for further research.”