![\"Christy](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Christy-Millar-3-e1757342650890.jpeg\")
Christy Millar\nChristy says:<\/p>\n
Hundreds of kidney patients, families and supporters are preparing to take part in the first ever Kidney Research UK Liverpool Bridges Walk to raise funds for vital research on Sunday 14 September.<\/p>\n
Having funded more than \u00a31m of research at the University of Liverpool over the last 10 years, the UK\u2019s leading kidney research charity is bringing people impacted by kidney disease together for a joyful fundraising walk across the city\u2019s iconic bridges.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Participants can choose between a 6.5-mile or 2.1-mile route, taking in the city\u2019s most famous landmarks and waterfront views. All money raised will help Kidney Research UK fund new treatments and transform the lives of people affected by kidney disease.<\/p>\n
The walk will also celebrate Liverpool\u2019s growing role at the forefront of kidney research. Scientists here are working on projects that could transform patient care at every stage of treatment. Kidney disease currently affects more than seven million people in the UK \u2013 including around 0.5 million people across Cheshire and Merseyside.<\/p>\n
Among those taking part in the Liverpool Bridges Walk will be 40-year-old Christy Millar, from Upton, who is currently receiving dialysis while she waits for a third kidney transplant.<\/p>\n
She said: <\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to do the walk, it\u2019s a great way to meet people each going through their own kidney journey and raise funds for a brilliant charity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Christy\u2019s life was devastated when she suddenly became seriously unwell in 2006, just as she finished university. She spent three months in intensive care because of a burst appendix which had caused sepsis and kidney failure. This left her needing a strict routine of dialysis treatment for more than five years, either side of a failed transplant from her husband, Steve.<\/p>\n
A transplant from a deceased donor gave Christy nearly a decade without the restrictions of dialysis, but this kidney began to fail last year. She is now once again receiving dialysis and is on the waiting list for another transplant. She hosts her own podcast, Chronically Christy, to connect with and inspire other patients.<\/p>\n
Christy Millar
\nChristy says:<\/p>\n
\u201cMy life is on hold again while I wait for that phone call \u2013 to let me know a kidney transplant is available. Dialysis can be very isolating and needing to be in hospital for treatment three days a week prevents me from doing a lot of things I enjoy. I\u2019d love to be able to explore the world and travel again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand how significantly kidney patients are affected, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m joining the Liverpool Bridges Walk \u2013 to make a difference. I\u2019ll be with my husband Steve, my dogs, and a few of my dialysis nurses on the day. I want to raise awareness, meet others going through similar challenges, and support life-changing research.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said: <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the first time we\u2019ve brought one of our Bridges walks to Liverpool, and we\u2019re delighted to be here. Liverpool is home to some of the most innovative kidney research in the country, and this event will both celebrate that and help fund the next breakthroughs. We\u2019re encouraging everyone \u2013 patients, families, clinicians and the wider community \u2013 to join us, walk together, and show their support to end kidney disease.\u201d<\/p>\n
Find out more about the Kidney Research UK Liverpool Bridges Walk here<\/a>. Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.\u00a0
\nFind all the latest Liverpool news here<\/a>. <\/p>\n
\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n