Scaling new heights to support people with kidney disease

Taking on a challenge and giving something back became the focus for a mother and daughter from York, who, following their own transplant journey, stepped up to scale the highest mountain in the UK and help support people living with kidney disease.

Steph and Milly Marley, from Elvington, decided to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland to raise money for the National Kidney Federation (NKF), only two years after Milly received a lifesaving kidney transplant. When Milly was born, she developed acute kidney failure due to birth complications. Milly’s mum Steph explained, “We very nearly didn’t get to keep our beautiful baby girl,” said Steph. “Milly is a fighter and with the amazing care she received from the doctors and nurses, she made it.” Milly lived with chronic kidney disease until she was 15 and needed a transplant.

According to the UK Renal Registry, nine children in every million under the age of 16 starts long-term treatment for kidney failure.

Thumbs the word - Milly and mum Steph giving a thumbs up after they reached the summit of Ben Nevis

A life-saving gift

Milly received a kidney transplant in December 2018 at Leeds General Infirmary after her dad was found to be a match. She is now stable and well following a year of post-transplant complications and prolonged hospital stays. The York College student now has the chance to live a healthy life and is looking forward to starting university later this year. Steph commented, “We are ever grateful to her dad for this gift of life that he gave her, and despite all the difficulties, I am so proud of what she has achieved.”

Time to give back

After being on their transplant journey, Milly and Steph knew they wanted to raise funds to help others in a similar situation. They found the NKF’s fundraising climb up Ben Nevis and decided this was the perfect opportunity to give something back. And on 19 June 2021 they did just that. Steph and Milly climbed the UK’s highest mountain and reached the summit, 1,345m above sea level!

Cheers! Much needed refreshments at the end of their trek

Thank you from the NKF

Head of marketing and fundraising at the NKF, Pete Revell, explains just how important fundraising activities like this are. “With everything that’s happening in the world at the moment, it is so nice to hear a story like this. Milly has conquered kidney disease with the help of her father and now with the help of her mother she has conquered Ben Nevis. “We arrange many fundraising activities and events to help people set personal challenges and achieve some amazing things, and their support for the NKF is amazing and much needed. Thank you!” Milly has conquered kidney disease with the help of her father and now with the help of her mother she has conquered Ben Nevis.

FANCY IT?

Check out our NKF events page and see if there is a fundraising challenge for you: https://www.kidney.org.uk/Pages/Events/

MAKE A DONATION

Milly and Steph have smashed their original fundraising target of £1,200 but are determined to raise as much as possible. If you would like to support them please do so here: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/marley-team