100s of patients to take part in first ever Liverpool Bridges Walk for kidney disease

Hundreds of kidney patients, families and supporters are preparing to take part in the first ever Kidney Research UK Liverpool Bridges Walk to raise funds for vital research on Sunday 14 September.

Having funded more than £1m of research at the University of Liverpool over the last 10 years, the UK’s leading kidney research charity is bringing people impacted by kidney disease together for a joyful fundraising walk across the city’s iconic bridges. 

Participants can choose between a 6.5-mile or 2.1-mile route, taking in the city’s most famous landmarks and waterfront views. All money raised will help Kidney Research UK fund new treatments and transform the lives of people affected by kidney disease.

The walk will also celebrate Liverpool’s growing role at the forefront of kidney research. Scientists here are working on projects that could transform patient care at every stage of treatment. Kidney disease currently affects more than seven million people in the UK – including around 0.5 million people across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Among those taking part in the Liverpool Bridges Walk will be 40-year-old Christy Millar, from Upton, who is currently receiving dialysis while she waits for a third kidney transplant.

She said:

“I can’t wait to do the walk, it’s a great way to meet people each going through their own kidney journey and raise funds for a brilliant charity.”

Christy’s life was devastated when she suddenly became seriously unwell in 2006, just as she finished university. She spent three months in intensive care because of a burst appendix which had caused sepsis and kidney failure. This left her needing a strict routine of dialysis treatment for more than five years, either side of a failed transplant from her husband, Steve.

A transplant from a deceased donor gave Christy nearly a decade without the restrictions of dialysis, but this kidney began to fail last year. She is now once again receiving dialysis and is on the waiting list for another transplant. She hosts her own podcast, Chronically Christy, to connect with and inspire other patients.

Christy says:

“My life is on hold again while I wait for that phone call – to let me know a kidney transplant is available. Dialysis can be very isolating and needing to be in hospital for treatment three days a week prevents me from doing a lot of things I enjoy. I’d love to be able to explore the world and travel again.

“I understand how significantly kidney patients are affected, and that’s why I’m joining the Liverpool Bridges Walk – to make a difference. I’ll be with my husband Steve, my dogs, and a few of my dialysis nurses on the day. I want to raise awareness, meet others going through similar challenges, and support life-changing research.”

Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said:

“This is the first time we’ve brought one of our Bridges walks to Liverpool, and we’re delighted to be here. Liverpool is home to some of the most innovative kidney research in the country, and this event will both celebrate that and help fund the next breakthroughs. We’re encouraging everyone – patients, families, clinicians and the wider community – to join us, walk together, and show their support to end kidney disease.”

Find out more about the Kidney Research UK Liverpool Bridges Walk here.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.