Fundraisers’ spread awareness of kidney disease at charity walk in Glasgow Kelly Jackson
Hundreds of walkers put their best feet forward to raise awareness of kidney disease on the streets of Glasgow.
More than 400 families, friends, dogs, patients, donors, doctors and scientists came together for Kidney Research UK’s sixth annual Glasgow Bridges Walk on 1 September.
Starting and finishing at its new venue on picturesque Glasgow Green, the seven-mile walk took in the city’s iconic bridges including Clyde Arc Bridge, Victoria Bridge and Tradeston Footbridge.
Before setting off, the crowd was serenaded with a song by X-Factor finalist Nicholas McDonald, who took to the stage again once everyone had crossed the finish line.
Day to remember
Many people had poignant reasons for taking part in the charity event.
Among the walkers was mum and daughter team Linda and Kirsty Laughland. They complete the walk every year in memory of Linda’s dad, David. He was a patient at Stobhill Hospital renal unit for 26 years, undergoing dialysis for 12 years.
“When he was on dialysis it made a big difference – it kept him alive for the last 12 years of his life,” said Linda. “We didn’t realise just how many families are affected by kidney disease and the fact it impacts all walks of life. Hopefully the whole family will be able to take part in the walk next year.”
For Michelle Wyper and her niece Nicole, this year marked their first Glasgow Bridges Walk.
“My mum was on dialysis for more than 20 years; she had a transplant which lasted three years, so she’s now back on dialysis,” said Michelle.
Kidney patient Malcolm Mcintosh travelled from Forfar to cheer on his wife Catherine, son Ryan and his son’s girlfriend Jemma as they completed the event for the first time. Malcom has been attending his local renal clinic for 16 years and went on dialysis last year.
“We want to raise money and try and help find a cure for kidney disease,” he said. “It was quite emotional when we walked through the gate into Glasgow Green.”
A new chapter
David Hughes, children’s kidney specialist and Kidney Research UK trustee, marked the first day of his retirement by taking part in the Glasgow Bridges Walk.
“On my first day following retirement from clinical practice, it was a privilege to support the research efforts by taking part in Kidney Research UK’s Glasgow Bridges Walk alongside patients, families, friends and colleagues,” he said. “It was a brilliant way to start the next chapter.
“Having spent 26 years as a consultant in Liverpool and Glasgow, looking after children with kidney disease, I have seen how it affects the lives of children and their parents. I have also seen the considerable impact that research developments and discoveries have on improving their care.”
Marc Stowell, director of fundraising and communications at Kidney Research UK, added:
Thank you to everyone who joined #TEAMKIDNEY for our Glasgow Bridges Walk this year; your support is incredibly important in our quest to raise awareness of kidney disease and ultimately find a cure.
“It was heart-warming to see the camaraderie from everyone who took part - from supporters and donors to researchers and volunteers - on what was an emotional day for many of our participants.”
Head over to our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages to check out our coverage of the event.
Interested in joining us next year? Register your interest for our 2020 Glasgow Bridges Walk. You can also plan your own bridges challenge in your local area
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