Team run 10K pushing 'Dougie' the dialysis machine

A team of six hospital staff ran the Derby 10K while pushing a 70kg (154lb) dialysis machine.

The old machine, nicknamed "Dougie", was used at Sunday's event to raise awareness of kidney failure and to help fund a new caravan in North Wales for dialysis patients.

The Royal Derby Hospital's renal dialysis unit is fundraising to replace the caravan, which allows patients to continue dialysis while on holiday.

Chris Swan, 45, a member of the team who took part in the event, said: "It took us one hour and a minute, which was quite surprising. Dougie wanted to go quicker, I think, so he pulled us along."

Mr Swan, a home therapies trainer, who has worked in the unit for more than 30 years, added: "When it was really warm in the sun, it was quite gruelling, but it was worthwhile.

"The crowd really pushed us on and gave us the support. Before we knew it, it was over."

Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly.

The group are raising money for Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, which also funds the current caravan.

They are aiming to raise between £60,000 and £80,000 for the new caravan, which they hope will be ready to use in 2026.

Carol Rhodes, 54, a home therapies lead who also ran with Dougie, said: "For patients to go on holiday, that need dialysis, it can be very difficult. You have to book into a centre to have your dialysis done.

"Most of them stay on site and then our staff go over and perform dialysis whilst they're on holiday."

Ms Rhodes, who has been working in the dialysis unit for more than 35 years, says she is keen to do anything extra to help her patients.

"We want the patients to have the best life they can," she added. "Holidays are a part of helping dialysis patients.

"The caravan that we've got now is coming to the end of its lifespan.

"The new one we're hoping will be a little bit bigger, a little bit better with nicer facilities for the patients to use."

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