A Blackwood father was inspired to sign up for the Cardiff 10k following his teenage daughter’s lifesaving kidney transplant.
Christopher Chaplin will run to raise money for race organisers, Kidney Wales, after his wife Sharon donated a kidney to their daughter Ceri, 17, in August last year.
The family’s world was turned upside down in April 2016 when it was discovered that Ceri required a kidney transplant after suffering a series of nose bleeds and flu-like symptoms.
Blood tests revealed severe problems, and Ceri was taken to intensive care at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, before being transferred to the children’s kidney unit at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff.
A blood dialysis line was inserted in her stomach two weeks later, allowing Ceri to receive the treatment from her home. However, the nine-hour process, which was required every night, curtailed her quality of life.
Despite her struggles, Ceri passed her upcoming exams and secured a place on an animal care course at Coleg Gwent.
Astonishingly, both Christoper and Sharon were suitable kidney matches for their daughter, and six months after her hospitalisation, Ceri received a transplant from her mother.
Ceri’s father, Chris, saw a flyer for the Cardiff 10k on a routine trip to the University Hospital of Wales.
The 48-year-old said: “As soon as I saw the flyer with its invitation to run for Kidney Wales, I knew it was something I had to do.
“By donating her kidney my wife has done the most incredible thing for our daughter and so I felt compelled to do something to raise awareness and funds for a cause so close to our hearts.
“I hope to raise funds for Kidney Wales to thank them for all the support we received throughout Ceri’s illness. The charity made sure Ceri was taken on plenty of socials, such as bowling and to watch rugby matches, meaning that she was able to lead a normal teenage life between treatments.”
Roy Thomas, Chief Executive of Kidney Wales said: “It’s so encouraging to see families like the Chaplins supporting each other through such a traumatic and challenging time.
“We are proud that Chris has decided to run this year’s 10k on behalf of Kidney Wales and raise vital funds and awareness for renal patients across the country. We wish Chris and his wife Sharon, who has chosen to take part in the Cardiff 2k family run, the best of luck on race day.”
Wishing this family all the best.
It is in time of real need when a family pulls together. I hope we hear how Chris gets on when he does the 10k and when Sharon does the 2k. Good luck to you all.