An Inspirational Endurance Challenge

Congratulations to inspirational kidney dialysis patient Maddy Warren (Dutton's 2003) who completed 100 miles horse riding across Wales in six days in August to mark 25 years on home kidney dialysis and raise money for Kidney Care UK and Kidney Wales.

Maddy, who started dialysis at the age of 14 following kidney failure due to an autoimmune disease, is amongst a small number of people in the UK to have lived continually on dialysis for well over two decades.

Despite dialysis being an incredibly time consuming, constant and often gruelling medical treatment, involving six hours of treatment five nights a week, Maddy learned to do it at home which has supported her against the odds to sustain an active, independent life. Maddy was able to complete her education at Alleyn’s and go on to university. She has had an incredibly successful career in finance and now runs her own business. Maddy loves to pursue challenges and adventures pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible and is a passionate advocate and campaigner for people with kidney disease.

About her experiences and the decision to undergo this challenge, Maddy said:

“When I started dialysis as a teenager and learned that a transplant wouldn’t be possible it was absolutely devastating and, based on the available dialysis survival data, it felt like a looming death sentence. Yet against all the odds, I am having the most fulfilling and joyful life.

Dialysis has taught me to be bold and to grab every opportunity, however challenging it might seem. I am so grateful to have that perspective on life which has led to so many wonderful experiences. This ride was spectacular, exhilarating and reflective, spending time in the stunning remote Welsh landscape and just appreciating being in that moment as I celebrate 25 years.”

To make a donation to Maddy’s endurance challenge marking this milestone and in memory of her friend Brett who worked for Kidney Wales, you can visit her donation page here.