Walking across Liverpool’s bridges to give thanks for life-changing kidney transplant
Fifteen years after receiving the kidney transplant that gave him a second chance at life, Steve Jones is lacing up his walking trainers for Kidney Research UK.
On Sunday 6 September, the 62-year-old from Anglesey, in Wales, will join hundreds of fundraisers at the Liverpool Bridges Walk – not just to celebrate how far he's come, but to help ensure future generations can benefit from research that could one day end kidney disease.
He says: "I often wonder if my donor was a relative of Bear Grylls. After having my transplant I had a surge of energy and found a new love for walking. It was transformational for me – a new lease of life.
"Keeping fit and active has been a huge part of my post-transplant life. Years ago I took part in the London Bridges Walk and also completed my own fundraiser for Kidney Research UK, walking 125 miles along the Anglesey Coastal Path in North Wales.
"I'm doing the Liverpool Bridges Walk alone. Just me, my headphones and the road, trying to complete it in the fastest possible time. But in reality I won't be on my own. I'll be with hundreds of others whose lives have been affected by kidney disease, all walking together with a shared purpose. The more money that's raised, the more research can happen and the more lives that can potentially be saved."
Kidney Research UK's Liverpool Bridges Walk starts at the Pier Head, taking in landmarks including the Royal Liver Building, the Albert Dock and several of Liverpool's waterfront bridges. Participants can choose either the shorter 2.2-mile accessible route or the longer 6.1-mile walk.
Steve’s kidney disease
After moving house in the early 1990s, Steve’s new doctor noticed protein and blood in his urine, with further tests revealing his kidneys were only operating at a third of their normal function and had reduced in size.
Steve says: "I was diagnosed with nephrocalcinosis, a condition where too much calcium is deposited in the kidneys. Over time, this can damage the renal tubules and lead to chronic kidney failure. It was a shock to receive that news, but I was probably too young to realise how much of an impact it could potentially have on me.
"As time passed, my kidney function deteriorated until finally I went into renal failure. I opted for haemodialysis and went to Elidir Renal Unit at Bangor Hospital three afternoons a week, for two years. I was working in car parts sales at the time and, fortunately, my employer allowed me time off for treatment.
"Things improved when I was asked if I'd like to do dialysis at home. It meant I could dialyse in the evenings after work. Throughout it all my morale never dipped. I just got on with it and took it in my stride, although I really did miss going on holiday. I’m so grateful to my partner Sonia and everyone around me for being so supportive during that time.
"My daughter Debbie, who was planning on going to university, put herself forward to be tested as a potential match without me knowing. When I found out, I stopped it straight away because there was absolutely no way I could have accepted a kidney from her. My only option was a kidney from a deceased donor."
The call that changed everything
Everything changed for Steve in March 2011 when the call came to say a donor had been found.
"They actually told me I wasn't first on the list. I guess they have to have a few people lined up in case it isn't a match. I don't remember how I felt in that moment, but I do remember Sonia was an emotional wreck. My bag was packed and ready, so off to hospital we went. It all happened so quickly. My own kidneys remained, and they put the new one on my left side.
"My recovery was great. I spent ten days in hospital, was up and about in no time and back at work within three months. But I later developed cytomegalovirus (CMV). For most people the virus isn't dangerous, but for transplant patients with compromised immune systems it can make them very unwell. For me, this illness was worse than the dialysis and the transplant. Sonia thought I was going to die."
Following his transplant, Steve was told by his medical team that a kidney from a deceased donor would typically last between 15 and 20 years.
He says: "I can look back on the time since my transplant and say it gave me my life back and the freedom to do the things I love most – holidays, coaching Chinese boxing and walking.
"My family and I have made memories across the world, from Las Vegas and New York to Europe and around the UK. Most recently I enjoyed time away in Majorca with my three-year-old granddaughter, Anest.
"I can't thank my donor enough for that. So far they have given me 15 fantastic years. Through all of this, something I've learned is that you have to grab life with both hands and make the most of the things you love because you don't know what's around the corner.
"And my advice to anyone who has faced a similar journey of dialysis and a kidney transplant is to keep yourself fit. Do that and you'll give yourself the best possible chance of getting through it."
Walk with people like Steve
Whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one, celebrating a kidneyversary or supporting someone living with kidney disease, there is still time to join #TeamKidney at this year’s Liverpool Bridges Walk on Sunday 6 September.