Kidney transplant dad joins charity race with his family
A MAN who has undergone two kidney transplants and is currently having dialysis treatment is raising awareness of the illness with his family.
Shaun Ruck, 30, from Porth, has suffered from kidney failure all his life and is currently receiving dialysis treatment for the third time in his life.
But, along with his family, he will be taking part in the Cardiff 2k family run, organised by Kidney Wales, on Sunday September 11, and said it is “rewarding” to be able to raise awareness of the condition.
Care worker Shaun was born with dysplastic kidneys, a condition which results in the kidneys not developing normally.
He was under consultant care at Great Ormand Street Hospital from birth until the age of six, when, in January 1993, an organ and kidney transplant became available.
He lived a healthy childhood with one functioning kidney until he was 16, when doctors noticed his transplanted kidney was beginning to fail.
After undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment for three months, and haemo dialysis at the Kidney Renal Unit for Kids (KRUK) in Cardiff for nine months, Shaun was transferred to Cardiff UHW aged 18, receiving treatment three times a week. He continued with dialysis for three years, while at Pencoed Comprehensive and completed a performing arts course at Bridgend College.
In 2007, aged 21, Shaun received a call he had been waiting for – there was an organ available.
Nine years had passed since the second successful transplant, but in 2015 Shaun’s new kidney start- ed failing reasons.
After various courses of IV steroids to halt the rejection of the kidney, Shaun accepted renal failure is something he will be living with for the rest of his life. He is now receiving dialysis treatment – for the third time in his life – every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in four-hour sessions. for unknown
The Kidney Wales Foundation has been a huge help to Shaun, his wife Gemma and children Hallie and Kian – and this year they will give something back, by raising money through the run.
Shaun said: “Coming to terms that I will be living with renal failure for the rest of my life is tough, but having the support from my family and the Kidney Wales Foundation been a huge help.
“I am having dialysis treatment in Llantristant’s dialysis unit three times a week and although it is tough, I know it is the best thing for me.
“Sometimes I get home and the children have already gone to bed and I haven’t had chance to see them, and it can get me down, but knowing that I has can now manage my illness has given us hope and who knows I may be able to get another transplant.
“Being able to do something to raise awareness of the illness is really rewarding and I cannot wait to walk side-by-side with my family on race day.”
To sign up for the run visit www.cardiff10K. cymru or call 02920 343951.