Man thought kidney failure was stomach bug

Tim Blackburn thought he had a stomach bug, but was diagnosed with blood cancer and kidney failure

A man who was diagnosed with blood cancer and kidney failure is aiming to raise awareness of organ donation.

Tim Blackburn thought he had a stomach bug when he fell ill over Christmas 2022 but tests revealed he had myeloma, a blood cancer formed in the bone marrow, and kidney failure.

Mr Blackburn, from Wedmore in Somerset, underwent chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and dialysis after his diagnosis in January 2023. Although his cancer is in remission, his kidney function has not returned.

The 60-year-old keen cyclist is embarking on a 200-mile (322km) "Tour de Kidney" challenge spanning the Quantock and Blacktown hills later to raise money and awareness for Kidney Research UK.

"Successful organ donation can transform chronically ill people with a high risk of dying and a poor quality of life, into healthy people," Mr Blackburn said.

Mr Blackburn underwent chemotherapy and dialysis

Mr Blackburn's condition left him unable to walk to the end of his road and he was transferred from Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton to renal experts at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for urgent dialysis treatment.

He still undergoes four-hour dialysis sessions three times a week to flush his blood out.

Mr Blackburn said: "I was having that treatment alongside chemotherapy and I found it really difficult to tolerate."

"From being fit and healthy to being told your kidneys have failed and you've cancer which is not curable? It's been a lot," he added.

He joined the kidney transplant waiting list six months ago, but the average wait time for a donor is two to three years, according to the NHS.

Mr Blackburn will begin the "Tour de Kidney" later, accompanied by his son and some friends.

"The distance is not insignificant, but combined with the climbs involved - the hills will total about 14,500 ft (4,419 metres) - which is half-way up Everest - which causes me a bit of apprehension," Mr Blackburn said.

The group is hoping to raise thousands of pounds through their efforts.