Critical care nurse Kirsten Smart ran for 100 minutes every day this week to raise money for research for our Captain Tom 100 challenge.

“Captain Tom stepped up to help, taking on his famous walk to support the NHS Covid-19 appeal and inspiring millions to donate to the cause. I wanted to celebrate the extraordinary spirit of Captain Tom in my way and help my chosen charity,” said Kirsten, of Plymouth.

Kirsten’s partner has end stage kidney disease and is waiting for a kidney transplant. He began dialysis in March.

And even though she is a nurse, it was not until her partner was diagnosed, that Kirsten realised she didn’t have in-depth knowledge about kidney disease and how much it affects so many people across the country.

“It’s far more common than people think and affects not only the kidneys, but it also impacts on pretty much the whole body,” she said.

Research is so important

"There is no cure. It’s important we fund research to find a cure and fund new treatments for the thousands of people with kidney disease."

Kirsten ran for 100 minutes every day from Monday to Friday this week for her Captain Tom Challenge.

“I wanted to do something extreme like the treatments that people have to endure through dialysis and transplant,” she said.

“Captain Tom walked 100 laps and raised so much money and awareness for the NHS, which directly impacts me and my colleagues.

"The money raised from my challenge will directly impact my partners life, my life and, also, the lives of many people with kidney disease in the UK.

“Kidney Research UK does amazing work in studying the many different types of kidney disease and in its work on finding a cure."

Find out more about our Captain Tom Challenge.