A CHARVIL runner is planning to remember the special people in her life by taking part in a series of fundraising events, including the London Marathon.
Kathryn Le Coz is raising money for Hospice UK in memory of her mother, who was diagnosed with polysistic kidney disease kidney failure.
“Having never run more than 10k before, and having also had a cruciate ligament replacement, a marathon has always been a challenge too far,” said Ms Le Coz, “ but I am determined to make it, even if I have to walk, hop, or crawl.
Before she could benefit from a kidney transplant, Ms Le Coz’s mother developed bowel cancer and died 40 years ago when Kathryn was a little girl.
The hereditary disease was passed down to both of Kathryn’s brothers, David and Andrew. But Kathryn and her sister Jane were fortunate not to inherit it, and put themselves forward for living donor transplant testing.
Ms Le Coz was able to donate one of her kidneys to David – which is still going strong almost nine years later – while Andrew underwent a successful kidney transplant four years ago.
At her living donor check-up last year tests revealed Kathryn’s blood pressure was high.
Rather than take medication, she opted to run to improve her health.
“I am forever grateful to the amazing members of the living donor team, and all the renal staff and surgeons in both Guy’s Hospital, London, where I did all my tests, and where I receive my annual check ups in Belfast City Hospital,” she said.
Kathryn is running the London Marathon run in April, and a Belfast City Marathon in May, for her mother, who was treated in Belfast City Hospital renal unit.
But she is also dedicating her efforts to her uncle and his wife, siblings David, Andrew, and Jane, friends and husband Yann, who supported Kathryn during the transplant operation.
“I’d also like to remember with immense gratitude my Dad who more than stood up to the challenge of looking after our family,” she said.
“It has been 10 years since he passed away, and I know that both he and my mother will be cheering me along to the finish line from above.
“My dad brought me up to be resilient, and I’ve learnt to survive what life throws at you.”
Kathryn will run the London Marathon on Sunday, April 21, and the Belfast City Marathon two weeks later on Sunday, May 5.
Her sister will support her in London, and some of her work colleagues have signed up to run with her.
An accounting director for Price Waterhouse Cooper in London, she has chosen to support two of her employers’ Foundation Charities.
“PwC will give me matched funding for Hospice UK, and Cancer Research UK if I meet my target of £2,000,” she said.
To support her fundraising efforts, people can visit her JustGiving page – search for kathryn-le-coz.
For more information, visit: www.hospiceuk.org and www.cancerresearchuk.org
