Scottish mum runs, abseils and scales the mast of a ship to fund research following son’s kidney diagnosis
A 70-year-old woman from Perthshire is taking on a series of physical challenges this year, aiming to raise over £10,000 for research into kidney disease.
Judy, from Aberfeldy, is pushing herself to complete multiple 10km runs, two half-marathons, abseil the Falkirk Wheel and climb the mast of the RRS Discovery – a legendary British ship – in Dundee, as her son, Alastair, faces down his own challenges with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Alastair, 40, was first diagnosed 22 years ago, before going into kidney failure last year. After some time on dialysis, he received a kidney transplant via the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme, which matched him and his brother, James, with other donor and recipient pairs.
Judy says: “I was so relieved when their surgery was over and the transplant was a success. It was very moving to see what James had done for his brother. I was unable to be Alastair’s donor myself, so I decided to help in a different way, by fundraising for research that could create a better future for him and other people affected by kidney disease.”
Alastair’s diagnosis
At just 18 years old, Alastair was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, after doctors identified a blood supply blockage to his kidney.
Judy says: “Alastair was studying technical theatre at the time and had come home for Christmas. He began to feel unwell, but we didn’t think much of it at first. We just thought he’d eaten too much turkey and Christmas pudding!
“When his health wasn’t improving, he visited the GP, who found his blood pressure was extremely high. He was sent straight to hospital because his hypertension was causing a severe risk of a stroke. It was horrific. I didn’t sleep at all that night because of the worry.”
Doctors had to wait until Alastair’s blood pressure was under control until they could carry out further tests, including a biopsy. When they did, they found a blood supply blockage to his kidney which was causing hypertension. It was decided that kidney would need to be removed. The surgery was a success, though the remaining kidney was badly scarred due to high blood pressure.
Judy says: “Alastair was able to live a normal life with medication and regular check-ups. However, we knew his kidney would slowly deteriorate, and in 2025, he needed to be added to the transplant list.”
Treatment for kidney failure
In the autumn of 2025, Alastair had to begin dialysis treatment, as an organ donor could not be found in time.
Judy says: “Myself, Alastair’s dad, and his three siblings, all wanted to donate a kidney. However, none of us were a direct match. That was very upsetting. Alastair hated dialysis. He couldn’t cope with the machine or discomfort. We’re so thankful that he was able to have a transplant just a few months later.”
In December 2025, Alastair and James went into hospital to receive and donate a kidney. Alastair was in Edinburgh, while James was treated in Oxford.
Judy says: “An incredible amount of coordination goes in to making these transplants happen simultaneously across the country. My husband, Adrian, flew to Oxford to support James, while I stayed with Alastair.
“James spent six weeks recovering before getting back to life and returning to work. Alastair’s journey has been less straightforward. The kidney isn’t functioning to the level doctors had originally hope. However, it is working and it’s better than dialysis. We just hope doctors can find the right balance of immunosuppressive medication to avoid transplant rejection, while improving his immune system.”
A year of fundraising
Having seen the impact of kidney disease and how it continues to affect Alastair’s life, Judy is determined to make a difference for future kidney patients.
As part of Judy’s calendar of events, she has already completed four 10km runs, the Edinburgh Half Marathon, the Falkirk Wheel abseil and an RRS Discovery mast climb with friends, Jane, Jacquie and Nicky. In October, Judy will take part in the Run Scotland Rannoch Half Marathon. She has also been set a new challenge by her local minister, Neil Glover, to run a full marathon for the first time.
Judy says: “I signed up for several running events but wanted to add some wacky things into the mix too. That’s why I chose to abseil the Falkirk Wheel and climb the mast of the RRS Discovery. They were so far out of my comfort zone and nerve-wracking. However, once I got over the initial fear, I really enjoyed them.
“I hope fundraising for Kidney Research UK will help other families and patients. Research really is the key to the future. We know Alastair is likely to need another transplant at some point. It would be incredible if advances in treatment meant he could receive this directly from a family member.”
Support Judy’s fundraising: Judy Ewer is fundraising for Kidney Research UK(
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