🎗️ Tim Blackburn’s Inspiring Journey: From Diagnosis to Victory 🚴♂️
What Tim thought was just a pesky stomach bug turned out to be something much more serious—kidney failure caused by blood cancer. During Christmas 2022, Tim felt exhausted and constantly nauseous. Initially dismissing it as a bug, his family insisted he seek medical help. It was a good call. A diagnosis at the hospital revealed he was dealing with kidney failure due to myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
Tim’s journey has been anything but easy. He’s undergone nine months of grueling chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and continues weekly dialysis as he awaits a kidney transplant. While his cancer thankfully went into remission in October 2023, the battle isn’t over. He still undergoes monthly tests and requires thrice-weekly dialysis sessions, which have taken a toll on his day-to-day life.
Despite all this, Tim hasn’t let these challenges dampen his spirits. A keen cyclist for the past 15 years, he found solace in riding with friends. After his treatment, he built his strength back up with the help of an electric bike. Inspired by his love for cycling, Tim embarked on a unique mission: the ‘Tour de Kidney.’ Cycling a whopping 200 miles across Somerset and Devon, he visited dialysis centres to raise funds for Kidney Research UK.
His initial goal of £2,040, representing £5 for each of his 408 dialysis sessions since January 2023, has been smashed! Tim has tripled his target and raised £6,205, proving that even when life throws curveballs, it’s possible to overcome them with determination and a supportive community.
Tim says, “Being unwell makes you appreciate what you’ve got. I challenged myself to get back on the bike, and after completing my ride, I felt a huge sense of satisfaction.”
There’s still time to support Tim’s incredible journey and his fundraising efforts. Let’s cheer him on as he continues to inspire us all! 💪💚