Jack Denby grew up knowing one day he would need a kidney transplant, but when his consultant told him the time to plan for this was getting closer Jack took an unusual step.

The 27-year-old Sutton man arranged a bike ride from Edinburgh to London to raise money for kidney research.

Jack has since gone from living with a hidden ticking time bomb illness, which few people who know him realised, to sharing his story and already raising more than £3,900 for Kidney Research UK.

He aims to complete his 850-mile challenge by cycling for 14 consecutive days in August.

“It feels like the perfect opportunity to do something good, before my health gets worse,” he explained. “To raise awareness, hopefully raise some money and show that this illness shouldn’t define a person. It certainly won’t define me or hold me back.

“It’s unbelievable how much interest this has generated. I can’t thank people enough for their generosity so far — their support is a huge boost for the challenge ahead.”  

When Jack was 10 days old his kidneys failed, which was a shock to his parents as nothing had been detected during his mother’s pregnancy. It was touch and go as to whether he would survive.

Jack had surgery and throughout his childhood was in and out of hospital, suffering infection after infection whilst on a variety of different medication.

His condition thankfully stabilised but, as he got older, his consultant told him his kidneys were slowly deteriorating by a tiny amount each year, and that at some point he would probably need a pre-emptive transplant to avoid the need for dialysis.

However, in February his kidney function suddenly plummeted, and his protein levels — the way doctors can recognise failing kidneys — went off the charts.

“I’ve always been relatively healthy, eat well, don’t drink or smoke, plus I was exercising more, especially throughout lockdown, so it was a mystery as to why it had dropped so much,” added Jack.

“My family and I had always assumed the need for dialysis and a kidney transplant was a long way off. Suddenly it all became real and I went into a bit of shock. 

“Of course, I felt worried, but then I pulled my socks up, realised that I could be in a much worse place, and instead thought, what can I do to help people in a similar position to me.” 

That’s when Jack (pictured) saw a Facebook advert for the Kidney Research UK #850Challenge. He was shocked to read that 850 million people worldwide are living with kidney disease like him.

He immediately signed up and will be travelling to Edinburgh and cycling the 850 miles back to London, taking a zig zag route, in just two weeks in August.

“Chronic kidney disease is something I’ve learnt to live with… and mostly I have been able to live a healthy life,” Jack said.

“However, I am aware there is no cure for kidney disease and transplants are not a long-term cure, which is why I want to do my bit, whilst I still can, to help fund research to make life better for all those living with kidney disease.”

To make a donation to Jack’s cycling challenge, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jack-850challenge

Inspired by Jack’s story? Why not take part in your very own cycle challenge and sign up for the #850Cycle Challenge this July? The charity is asking people to either cycle 850, 85 or 8.5 miles/km throughout the whole month.