Boy from Peterborough with rare genetic disorder to take on fundraising walk for Kidney Research UK
A brave boy living with a rare genetic kidney disorder is preparing to take on a five-mile fundraising walk in Peterborough to support research that could change his future.
Caelan Wright will join friends and family at Kidney Research UK’s ‘Peterborough March March’ event at Ferry Meadows on Saturday 28 March - raising money for vital research
The 10 year-old is among an estimated 18,000 people living with kidney disease in Peterborough, and his family hope that supporting research will lead to better treatments for people like him.
Just two years ago, the youngster was diagnosed with a rare inherited kidney disorder called Dent’s disease after doctors discovered blood and protein in his urine.
His mum, Sammy Wright, said the diagnosis came after they spotted a worrying change.
“We noticed Caelan’s urine was frothy and took him to the doctors where it was tested,” she said. “Those results led to discovering his kidney condition. We were told there is no cure to stop it completely. All we can do is try to slow it down and protect his kidney function for as long as possible.”
Dent’s disease runs in Caelan’s family. Both of Sammy’s brothers live with the condition and needed kidney transplants in their late thirties after their kidneys failed.
“Nobody knows what the future holds for Caelan,” Sammy said. “It’s such a rare disease and all we can compare it to is what has happened to my brothers. Unless there are advances in research, it will probably be the same story, and that’s very upsetting to think about.”
Caelan said: “It has been scary having to spend time in hospital and I am worried about what’s to come. Seeing my uncles going through it has been very hard. I hope I can protect my kidneys so I can continue to play football for as long as possible, but I do get tired more than I used to.”
Despite these challenges, Caelan has been determined to raise funds to help drive progress in kidney research. Earlier this year he organised a non-uniform day at school, creating a poster about kidney disease and helping raise more than £900.
Caelan and his family first joined the charity’s ‘Peterborough March March’ last year and are looking forward to taking part again.
“We loved joining the walk last year,” Sammy said. “It was lovely being together and seeing everyone else who was taking part. Being outside with friends and supporting a good cause made Caelan feel really special.
Caelan added: “Raising money through my school was fun and it was nice that lots of people got together to support me. I really enjoyed doing the walk with my friends and family last year so I can’t wait to do it again.”
The Kidney Research UK Peterborough March March takes place on Saturday 28 March at Ferry Meadows and is open to people of all ages and abilities.
To support Caelan’s fundraising, visit his fundraising page. To join the walk, you can sign up on the Kidney Research UK website.