Greg and Sophie McCann from Hook to run Cardiff 10K

Greg and Sophie McCann have both donated kidneys to members of their family, due to a hereditary genetic disorder that has seen three generations suffer from the effects of polycystic kidney disease – including Greg’s mother and two brothers.

Discussing the impact of kidney disease on his family, Greg, 46, said: “As time went on, all three saw a slow deterioration of their kidney health – Shaun’s deterioration being the most rapid.

“I thought it only fit to put myself forward as a donor, and, in 2015, after rigorous tests and a positive match, the operation was carried out and proved to be very successful.

“My mother’s condition was also deteriorating badly, with her on the verge of requiring dialysis – that is, until my hero of a wife put herself forward as a donor as well.”

On the family having to undergo the stresses of a second successive kidney donation, Greg is pleased to confirm that both parties are now feeling the effects of recovery: “Both my mother and wife are now doing fantastically well.

“I know that my family and I will be eternally thankful to my wife for doing such an amazing thing.”

This will be the first time that Greg and Sophie have run the Nation Radio Cardiff 10K since her operation and they’re hoping that their efforts will raise money and awareness of the effects that kidney disease has on thousands of people here in Wales.

Greg said: “My wife hasn’t been able to get much training done in time for the race, so I will look to stay with her and support her along the way.”

The experience of the McCann family is one that is replicated across the length and breadth of the nation, with over 10,000 people living with kidney disease throughout Wales.

Events such as the Nation Radio Cardiff 10K play a pivotal role in raising the funds necessary to support patients that are dependent on the work carried out by Kidney Wales.

You can learn more about the charity at https://www.kidneywales.cymru/