The Fourth North Staffs Kidney Patients Association Transplant Walk (NSKPA)

When walkers began gathering at Westport Lake Nature Reserve in Stoke-on-Trent the day was slightly chill but sunny. Registration took place in the new Staffordshire Wildlife Trust eco-friendly Visitor Centre, a reassuring venue if it rained. It did briefly but only a sprinkle.

There were some anxious moments beforehand because publicity for the Tour of Britain Cycle Race gave an impression that Brownhills Road would be closed. Happily everyone got through satisfactorily and one imaginative couple set out from the Festival Park Marina and completed the walk back to front.

It was especially rewarding to see wheelchair and electric buggy users completing the mile and a half around the lake or the full five miles which included a stretch along the canal.

The final total was £2900.90.

The sense of fellowship and warmth amongst all the participants was almost tangible. For two walkers, their kidneys were over 30 years old; another walker had only received his kidney six weeks before.

As always the NSKPA Secretary, Yvonne Coxon, worked like a Trojan ably supported by chair, Helen Martin. Honorary Treasurer Bernard Gidman was on hand to publically receive appreciation and thanks for managing NSKPA’s finances for nearly 10 years. The walk was led by Simon Davies, Professor of Nephrology and Dialysis Medicine.

I think it is self evident that a bi-annual walk is becoming something of an NSKPA tradition. It is tempting to organise a walk every year and if there is a groundswell of opinion in favour and the NSKPA agree I would certainly consider it.