“I’VE decided to challenge myself to make a difference for people affected by kidney disease.”
Those were the words of determined Tim Blackburn, who has decided to get on his bike for a gruelling 200 mile-plus cycling challenge to raise money for charity.
The 60-year-old hoped to raise £2,040 for Kidney Research UK this month as he takes on a range of trips across the south west – but has already far surpassed that, with his fundraiser reaching more than £4,000 at the time of writing.
The amount is symbolic to Tim, as it represented £5 for each of the 408 sessions of dialysis he has had, in Bridgwater primarily, since January 2023 to combat his own kidney problems.
“I’ve enjoyed being fit and active all my life. However, my health was seriously affected when my kidneys failed in 2022,” he said. “I’ve needed dialysis for more than two years now while I wait for a kidney transplant.
“Despite my illness and the side effects of treatment, I have tried my best to regain my fitness. I’ve been determined to get back to cycling with friends and be strong enough to keep up with our regular group rides. I’ve used an electric bike to assist me, but I now feel able to return to my old road bike.
“I’ve decided to challenge myself with my own Tour de Kidney to make a difference for people affected by kidney disease. I hope that, even after everything I’ve been through, I can achieve this feat, while raising money and awareness for Kidney Research UK.”
Tim was shocked to be diagnosed with myeloma
Over Christmas in 2022, Tim became unwell with what he thought was a sickness bug. However, symptoms persisted, and family urged him to visit A&E in the new year.
“Things escalated rapidly,” he went on. “I found out I had kidney failure and was transferred from Musgrove Park Hospital to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for urgent dialysis treatment.
“Further investigation revealed the underlying cause was myeloma – a type of blood cancer formed in the bone marrow. That was a massive shock.
“I needed nine months of chemotherapy and underwent a stem cell transplant which seriously affected my life. It was a gruelling treatment which caused me to lose weight, strength, stamina and my hair. I could barely walk across the room.
“Thankfully, I’m currently in remission from cancer, but I need monthly tests to monitor that it has not returned. I still need dialysis three times a week, for four hours each session. That has had a huge impact on my life.
“To begin with, I’d have severe headaches and nausea, often spending evenings after dialysis throwing up, before sleeping for 12 hours.
“In the past year my body has tolerated treatment better, but I still feel very tired.”
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After working in financial services, before his diagnosis Tim had switched his focus, leading a Somerset transport charity for people with mobility issues.
“I worked for six months while receiving treatment,” he said. “However, after my stem cell transplant, I had to step away and have been unable to work since.
“I felt I was making a difference to people’s lives, and it was disappointing to give that up. Dialysis has taken my freedom and ability to make choices. Things you take for granted, you can no longer do.
“I’m now on the kidney transplant waiting list, but try not to think about it too often. You can’t get ahead of yourself or worry about what you can’t control. Being unwell does make you appreciate what you’ve got, and you have to enjoy the things you are able to do.
“I know that a transplant would give me my freedom back and allow me to do more in retirement with my wife, so my heart does skip a beat whenever I receive a call from a number I don’t recognise.
“For now, though, I live life despite the restrictions placed on me. There is plenty to enjoy and be grateful for. I hope my experiences can give others hope.”
Tim is utilising his passion for cycling to raise much-needed funds for Kidney Research UK
Having taken up cycling some 15 years ago, Tim could think of no better way to support those who have supported him through his illness and treatment.
Tim added: “I’ve always played sport, and cycling has become my main pastime to enjoy with friends. We’ve been on lots of cycling trips and adventures. During my first year of treatment, I really missed being able to go out on a bike with my mates.
“After my stem cell transplant, I had to slowly build myself up just to walk around the neighbourhood. I felt like I’d never be strong enough to ride again with my cycling group.
“I realised I was really missing the social aspect and decided to purchase an electric bike to help me keep up. I’m back on my road bike now and that has been really rewarding.
“Cycling allows me to briefly escape from dialysis. It takes me out of my routine and is a release from everything that is happening. Nobody treats you as a kidney patient, you’re just one of the group. It has been so important for my physical and mental recovery.”
So it is that on Monday (August 18), Tim will begin his 200-mile cycling challenge around Somerset and Devon, taking in the Quantocks, Exmoor, Dartmoor and the Blacktown Hills.
“I know this will be a proper challenge with lots of hills to climb throughout the journey,” he said. “I am a little apprehensive, but I want to keep pushing myself further.
“I’ll have my son riding with me on the first section, my brother-in-law and a couple of friends on the second, and then my cycling group with me on the last leg.
“I’m looking forward to riding some beautiful countryside with friends and family to raise money for Kidney Research UK. I know how important it is to make sure research continues moving forward. I’ll do whatever I can to help research progress and improve treatments.
“I’d love to think that sharing my story will raise awareness of the impact of kidney disease and encourage people to consider live organ donation to help patients. Donating a kidney can make a massive difference to somebody’s life.
“I hope by the end of the challenge I’ll have had a great time and will feel a huge feeling of satisfaction in what we’ve achieved.”
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