Ellie Matthews

I am taking on Kidney Care UK's October Dog Walk

This year, I’m stepping up for the October Dog Walking Challenge in support of Kidney Care UK, the leading patient support charity for people living with kidney disease. Millions of people in the UK are affected, and too many face the journey alone. Kidney Care UK is there to make sure they don’t have to.

I’m walking 32.5 miles with my dog to help raise funds for vital services, from counselling and patient grants to expert advice and advocacy. Your donation will help ensure no one has to face kidney disease without support.

Please give what you can and cheer me on as I take on this challenge!

Personally after having kidney disease since birth I reached stage 5 in 2018 and went onto dialysis during the pandemic in 2021. I was transplanted in 2022 with the wonderful gift of Ernie the kidney from my colleague and friend Penny. I then spent 4 years in constant infection due to my old native kidney causing problems. There were weeks where I wasn’t able to take Peanut for even the shortest amble. 

Thankfully that native failed kidney was taken out in June 2026, and I am now rebuilding my health and able to really start anew, so this challenge couldn’t come at a better time!