A man from St Athan is taking on the Kidney Wales CDF 10K to raise money for the event’s lead charity after being diagnosed with diabetic kidney disease.
James Morris, 40, said that for as long as he can remember he’s been overweight which resulted in him developing type 2 diabetes 10 years ago.
However, after finding out he had diabetic nephropathy – kidney damage caused by diabetes – in September 2025, he’s been on a mission to lose weight and turn his life around.
James, who works as a health and safety manager at Cardiff Airport, said: “When my doctors told me I’d developed diabetic kidney disease, I was devastated and so disappointed in myself that I’d let it get to that point.
“I didn’t even know that was a thing – you hear of your eyesight and feet being affected by diabetes, but you don’t often hear about the other side effects. The thought of potentially needing to have dialysis or even a kidney transplant really frightened me and was a real turning point. I started exercising and eating healthy to try and lose some weight.”
At his heaviest, James weighed 28st. He’s since lost over 6st over the years – three of those being since his diagnosis last September.
He says he still has a long way to go, but he’s already feeling so much better in himself and has signed up to the Kidney Wales CDF 10K as a goal to work towards to help manage his diabetes and help him with his weight loss.
James said: “I’ve been overweight for as long as I can remember. I played rugby when I was younger and was 22st at 18. Shifting it has been difficult, but I am feeling much better for it.
“I walk regularly and now I’m turning my walking into a jog. I’m hoping to use the CDF 10K as a bit of a celebration for turning things around while helping to keep me motivated and accountable. “
While the damage done to James’ kidneys can’t be reversed, their use can be extended through medication and a healthy lifestyle.
That’s why James is hoping to take on the 10K distance to raise money for the event’s headline sponsor, Kidney Wales, while also raising awareness of diabetic nephropathy.
James said: “This will be the first organised running event I’ll have taken part in and I’m looking forward to it. Some of my colleagues will be running with me in support, raising money for Kidney Wales as well.”
He added: “One of my main symptoms was that I was just shattered all the time. I want people to know that if they’re diabetic and feeling lethargic, to ask for a kidney function test. Don’t leave it too late before too much damage is done, it can be managed and controlled through medication and trying to look after yourself.”
The Kidney Wales CDF 10K takes place on Sunday 6 September and will be celebrating its 40th anniversary year this year.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at event organisers Run 4 Wales, added: “We’re so pleased to hear that James is taking on the Kidney Wales CDF 10K as part of his health journey and to raise money for such a fantastic charity. We wish him the best of luck with his training and look forward to welcoming him on the start line in September.”
