High Bickington man takes to the skies for charity

A man from High Bickington will undertake a thrilling wingwalk on September 22 at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent to support the Nephrotic Syndrome Trust (NeST). 

NeST are a national charity dedicated to research that will lead to better treatments and cures for kidney disease.

The event, which is set to begin mid-morning, marks 45-year-old Jan Collins’ ambitious effort to raise funds for research into a rare and debilitating kidney disease that has deeply affected his family.

The proud father of five, a former army serviceman and now an engineer, has dedicated much of his time to caring for his  children with partner Lucy: triplets Lola, Daisy and Amber, 11, and his two sons, Kenneth, 10, and Hadley, 7. 

ABOVE: Triplets; Amber, Daisy and Lola

His commitment to his family has recently led him to pause his engineering career until the end of the year to focus on their needs. 

The Collins family’s journey with nephrotic syndrome began in 2013 when Daisy and Amber were diagnosed with the condition - a severe and rare kidney disorder that requires intensive treatment.

Daisy’s battle with nephrotic syndrome has been particularly challenging. 

After being on dialysis for several years, she underwent a kidney transplant in 2021. Unfortunately, the transplant failed just hours after surgery, leading to a rapid return of the disease. 

The family was thrust into a relentless cycle of treatment, including a two-month period of plasmapheresis, where Daisy spent nine hours daily undergoing the procedure. 

The ongoing treatment and medical complications have significantly impacted the family’s life.

Amber, on the other hand, has been waiting for a transplant for over five years, and the family continues to hope for a suitable match. 

Despite the setbacks, Jan remains determined to support research and raise awareness about nephrotic syndrome through his wingwalk challenge.

He said: “If I can do something to help others avoid what my family has gone through, then it’s worth the effort.”

Jan’s preparation for the wingwalk has been both a physical and mental challenge. 

A keen runner and fitness enthusiast, he is accustomed to pushing his limits, but walking on the wings of a plane represents a completely new level of discomfort.

“I spoke with a charity skydiver, and the wingwalk seemed like the ultimate challenge,” Jan explained. “It’s something I never thought I’d do, but it feels important.”

The Nephrotic Syndrome Trust has played a crucial role in the Collins family’s life, particularly through its collaboration with Professor Moin Saleem at Bristol Children's Hospital. 

Professor Saleem is leading research efforts aimed at improving treatments and finding a cure for nephrotic syndrome. 

The Collins family has actively supported NeST through donations and participation in fundraising events, including contributing plasma from Daisy’s treatment.

Jan has set a fundraising target of £2,000 for his wingwalk, aiming to cover the event costs and support NeST’s vital research.

To date, he has raised a significant portion of his goal but is still seeking additional contributions. 

Donations can be made via a GoFundMe page, and a collection pot is available at High Bickington Community shop. 

The Collins family’s story has also been highlighted in the past through their involvement with DIY SOS.

After experiencing a series of medical crises, their home was adapted to accommodate the extensive medical needs of their daughters, thanks to the efforts of the popular TV show. This transformation, which included essential modifications like hospital-style beds and a wet room, has been a lifeline for the family during a difficult period.

ABOVE: The girls bedroom the team built with wet room and the silver trolleys to hold their dialysis machines.

“If people could share our story and donate even a small amount, it would make a huge difference,” Jan said.

“With everyone’s help, we can advance research and hopefully find a cure for this disease.”

For more information on how to support Jan’s wingwalk and contribute to the Nephrotic Syndrome Trust, visit the GoFundMe page or drop by the community shop.