Man attempts record breaking charity challenge, climbing all 145 peaks in the Peak District to support kidney research
A PhD student from Loughborough will attempt a record-breaking ascent this July, reaching all 145 peaks in the Peak District over the course of just one week.
Richard Stennett, 30, is taking on this monumental challenge, covering over 300 miles to raise money for Kidney Research UK, in support of his friend, Sam, whose mum experienced kidney failure in 2010.
Sam Viravong, 30, from Hungerford, says: “Richard and I grew up together and he has been a huge support to me and my family. I was only 15 years old when my mum’s kidneys failed and it was a very upsetting time. Richard was great at providing a distraction and we started a band together. Rehearsals were a great way to keep my mind off things.
“It's quite incredible what Richard is now planning to put himself through to raise money for Kidney Research UK. It means the world to us really, for someone to go to such lengths for a cause close to our hearts.”
Mum’s diagnosis
When Sam was a child, his mum was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) - an autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys.
Sam says: “As Mum’s kidney function deteriorated, her energy levels depleted, and she would regularly faint due to her blood pressure. I remember being scared and not fully understanding what was happening. By 2010, her kidneys reached end stage renal failure, and she needed to start dialysis treatment.
“I was only a teenager but can recall helping Mum to set up her dialysis machine at night. My sister, Dad and I had to connect the fluid bags and lines, and in the mornings before school, disconnect the machine and sort out the waste bags. It was a real team effort.
“It was hard seeing Mum so ill. Heartbreakingly, my parents had to make the tough decision to sell their beloved Thai restaurant of over 20 years because it had become too demanding to manage alongside Mum’s kidney disease. That was a huge change for all of us.”
Life-changing transplant
While his mum received dialysis, Sam and his family waited for a compatible kidney donor to be found.
Sam says: “I wanted to donate my own kidney but was too young at the time. My mum’s brother volunteered but that didn't work out either. It was frustrating but thankfully we then met an amazing woman named Veronica at a mutual family friend's gathering. After hearing of Mum’s struggles, she incredibly came forward as a donor.
“It all happened in a whirlwind. They went through testing and within a few months, the transplant went ahead in July 2011. Recovery went really well for them both, and our families bonded because of Veronica’s altruism. Life was better and Mum was able to get back to doing the things she loved – playing badminton, travelling, and hosting big gatherings with the tastiest food!”
A transplant is not a cure
Transplants last for just 20 years on average and patients often need multiple donor kidneys in their lifetime.
Sam says: “We knew in the back of our minds that Mum’s kidney function would worsen again over time. It has been 14 years since her transplant now, and unfortunately her kidneys are functioning at less than 10%. Needing to go back to dialysis is a looming reality.
“This time though, I am in a position where I can donate a kidney to Mum, and that is what I plan to do. It has been an easy decision for me. I’d do whatever I can to stop her suffering. Naturally she’s worried about her son, but after reassurance about the donation process, she has gratefully accepted my offer to donate.
“Through the testing process, I have discovered that I am not able to donate directly to my mum due to her high level of antibodies against me. However, I am fit to donate a kidney in general, so we have entered the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme – which will match us with a compatible donor and recipient pair. We’re now just waiting for it to happen.”
Record-breaking fundraiser
Richard’s charity challenge has been dubbed project 145 and will see him climb every peak in the Peak District over a seven-day period, starting on 7 July.
It has taken two years for Richard to research, plan and train for the endurance challenge. He even developed his own criteria to identify the 145 peaks – including any point within the Peak District which is described as a peak, hill, hump, Ethel or Marilyn – and will be the first person to climb them all in a single continuous effort.
Sam says: “We’ve been blessed to have people like Veronica and Richard in our lives who have gone above and beyond for us.
“We are going to support Richard in any way that we can and hopefully raise awareness of the need for kidney education and research. We hope that one day, transplants can last longer, there will be treatments that can slow or reverse damage from IgA nephropathy, and people will be diagnosed sooner. The list goes on!”
Stay up to date with Richard's challenge and donate via his Just Giving page.
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