A Caerphilly man who donated a kidney to his mother, saving her life, is to run Cardiff 10k on Sunday, September 6, to raise money for the race organisers Kidney Wales.
Labourer Andrew Ramsey, 34, witnessed first-hand the impact of kidney disease after his mother was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in both her kidneys in 2007.
After four years waiting for a match on the organ transplant register to no avail, Mr Ramsey took a test which showed he was a match for his mother and subsequently donated a kidney.
Now Mr Ramsey is showing his gratitude to Kidney Wales for all their support by running for the charity in this year’s 30th anniversary Cardiff 10k event.
Mr Ramsey said: “When something like this happens to someone in your family, once you get over the initial shock you begin to understand that it doesn’t just affect that one person, but it affects the whole family.
“People need to become more aware of the implications that kidney disease has on a family. You never expect it will be yours.
“Kidney Wales have supported my family through really difficult times, and I am looking forward to supporting and completing the distance in a fast time.”
Andrew successfully completed the Caerphilly 10k earlier this year, and is now determined to beat his time of fifty minutes.
Roy Thomas, Chief Executive of Kidney Wales, said: “The Cardiff 10k is the cornerstone of Kidney Wales’ annual fundraising activities, and this year we are excited to welcome more runners than ever before in our thirtieth anniversary year. I wish everyone running the best of luck.”