Four ultras, one case: Steph Nathan walks for Kidney Research in 2026
As a married mum of two beautiful girls, one of my favourite things to do for my own mental wellbeing is when I can is to get out and go for long walks. What then is better than to do it with a friend in 2026 whilst raising money for an amazing charity?
My best friend Mike Hayler and myself will be taking part in 4 Ultra Challenges in 2026 to raise money for Kidney Research UK -a charity near and dear to our heart.
My mother and youngest sister have both experienced kidney failure, the grind of dialysis and the uncertain wait for kidney transplants. My mum had her first transplant about eight or nine years ago, and is unfortunately now awaiting her second transplant and in dialysis once more.
My youngest sister has HSP (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura) which can affect the kidneys by causing inflammation of the small blood vessels, leading to protein and blood in the urine, and unfortunately needed a transplant 2 years ago. She is now doing well and at University in between managing her health and we are all so proud.
My best friend Mike fell ill whilst on a working holiday in New Zealand in 2000. His sister asked him whilst visiting for Christmas about his weight loss which Mike hadn't even realised. Forced into a clinic the day after boxing day with bloods taken.
He was then diagnosed with end stage renal failure - the cause being unknown to this day. Mike then flew home to the UK and began dialysis within the week and was on it for 3 months. He tried Peritoneal dialysis which didn't work for him and then went back to regular dialysis. A year ob from initial diagnosis and Mike received the wonderful gift of a donation of a kidney from his Auntie Linda. He received the transplant in January 2002 and has never looked back!
My mum, sister and Mike will forever be grateful for the gift of the kidneys they have received.
As a result of the above, and as a desire to spread word of the incredibly great work and support Kidney Research UK provide, we would love to raise some money. So in 2026, we will be doing the following
London Winter Walk (24th January 2026) - Full marathon distance (42km)
Bath 50 (28th March 2026) - 50km
Thames Path Ultra Challenge (12th & 13th September 2026) - 100km
London Hallowe'en Walk (October 2026 - Final date to be confirmed) - 25km
Any donations that could be spared would much appreciated as we hope to raise awareness of the impactsd of kidney disease and highlight the amazing work of Kidney Research UK
https://www.justgiving.com/page/steph-nathan-7?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Thank you so much!
Steph and Mike