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Walkers marching through city for kidney research

Brian Farmer
BBC News, Peterborough
Kidney Research UK A procession of people wearing purple Kidney Research UK t-shirts walking alone a pavement. One is holding a white placard with the words "WALKING for my MARIA" written on it.Kidney Research UK
Walkers raising money for kidney disease research at an earlier event

A charity is looking for marchers and marshals to take part in a new event aimed at raising money for research into kidney disease.

About 100 walkers are expected to march in Kidney Research UK's first "March March" in Peterborough on 29 March.

The charity is hoping more people will sign up to make the five-mile (8km) journey from Peterborough Cathedral to Ferry Meadows country park.

A spokesman for Kidney Research UK said volunteers were also needed to help with organisation.

Kidney Research UK The top of a poster advertising the Kidney Research UK Peterborough March March. The words Saturday 29 March are written on a pink banner. The faces of four people can also be seen on the banner. Kidney Research UK
Walkers are set to march through Peterborough on Saturday 29 March

"We're expecting around 100 participants, though we're always pushing for more," said the spokesman.

"We're actively seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various aspects of the event, including helping with registration, route marshalling, and handing out medals to finishers."

Kidney Research UK Seven people wearing purple Kidney Research UK t-shirts walking along a path. Two are holding up their arms.Kidney Research UK
A charity wants people to raise cash for kidney disease research by taking part in a "march" in Peterborough

Kidney Research UK said a 2023 report showed that chronic kidney disease affects more than 10% of the UK population and was "rapidly becoming more common" as the population ages.

The National Kidney Foundation said more than two million people worldwide receive treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive

What is kidney disease?

  • More than three-and-a-half million people in the UK have chronic kidney disease, external (CKD)
  • One million of these remain undiagnosed
  • People with diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease may be more at risk
  • In early stages, chronic kidney disease is silent, but symptoms as it advances include blood in urine, swollen feet, muscle cramps and itchy skin
  • There are five stages of CKD, ranging from being at risk through to kidney failure
  • Kidney function can be tested through blood and urine samples
  • There is no cure for CKD but treatments can ease symptoms and stop it getting worse (Source: Kidney Care UK 2022)

Georgia Kelly, regional fundraising manager at Kidney Research UK, said: "The Peterborough March March is a fantastic chance for people to come together, support vital kidney research, and enjoy a great community event.

"If you can't take on the walk but want to support our efforts, we're looking for volunteers to help make the day as smooth and successful as possible."

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