A kidney patient for over 35 years from Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, is running the Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff 10K for the 5th consecutive year to raise vital funds for race organisers and charity, Kidney Wales.
Diagnosed with Chronic kidney disease in 1984, Brian Lewis, 67, from Tonypandy, has had many ups and downs with his condition. In 2013 it took a turn for the worse and he was told he needed to go on dialysis or have a kidney transplant. At this time he was also offered a third option, which was chemotherapy, a more aggressive and uncertain option.
Brian opted for chemotherapy and was given seven sessions to treat his disease. Thankfully his kidneys responded well and this meant he no longer needed to be on the transplant register or receive dialysis.
Speaking about his treatment, Brian said: “It was a very difficult time but thanks to the excellent work of the doctors and staff at the University Hospital of Wales kidney unit I am now feeling better than I have been in years.”
Following Brian’s treatment, his daughter Kathryn ran the Cardiff 10K in 2014 to raise vital funds for Kidney Wales, who support kidney patients and families across Wales.
After watching his daughter run, Brian was inspired to do the same, taking part in his first Cardiff 10K the following year.
Brian said: “I went to support Kathryn on her first Cardiff 10K and was inspired by the variety of people taking part. Apart from the elite runners, there were people who were there to just enjoy the day, even if they walked part of the route.
[aoa id=”1″]“After the Cardiff 10K had finished, I looked at the times of the slowest competitors and said to myself ‘I could do that’. After that day I began getting myself fitter and was able to start and finish my first Cardiff 10K in 2015. To my surprise, I did not come last and what a feeling of achievement I had when I crossed the finish line.”[/aoa]
“After my first time taking part, I have continued to do so every year since and I am looking forward to competing for the fifth time this year. The Cardiff 10K is the only race I have ever competed in and I take part as I know the funds I raise will help kidney patients and their families and it’s a great event to be involved in.”
The Cardiff Met Cardiff 10K is one of the top ten road races in the UK and attracted a record number of runners to the streets of the Welsh capital in 2018, with over 8,000 entrants taking part.
Nic Clarke, Director of Fundraising and Operations at Kidney Wales, said: “It’s so encouraging to see Brian and his family supporting the work of Kidney Wales. Brian has experienced kidney diseases for a long time and knows first-hand the impact the condition has on patients and their families.
“Many families go through the hardships of kidney disease and by taking part in the Cardiff Met Cardiff 10K participants are helping us to support these families and ensure more research and funds are being dedicated to combating kidney disease each year.”
The Cardiff Met Cardiff 10k is one of the standout road races in Wales and a firm favourite among the racing community. Passing some of the capitals most iconic landmarks the flat route makes this the perfect race for all abilities. A shorter 2K family race also takes place.
To support Brian in achieving his fundraising goals, visit his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brian-lewis18
