North Devon runner aged 65 to take on 175km challenge for kidney disease charity

A 65-year-old runner with a life-long kidney disease is taking on a 175km extreme ultra marathon challenge to raise money to help others with the condition.

Ian Ripper from Winkleigh lives with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a serious genetic condition that affects around 70,000 people in the UK.

On April 18, he will be taking on the Devon Coast to Coast Ultra, a distance of just under 109 miles, starting at Wembury in the South Hams and finishing at Lynmouth.

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The endurance event is organised by Climb South West and must be completed within 38 hours.

Ian will be running for The Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity, which supports people with PKD. It is an inherited condition that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys, often leading to kidney failure later in life.

There is currently no cure and only a small number of treatments that can slow progression of the disease.

Whiel Ian is an experienced runner, this will be his biggest challenge to date and it will mean running through the night for the first time too.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed running and pushing myself. I’ve previously completed long challenges like the Dartmoor Crossing at 50km and a 75km run from Wembworthy Beach to Chagford, but this is on another level entirely.”

His motivation for the challenge came after attending a workshop hosted by the PKD Charity, where he met people whose lives have been deeply affected by the disease.

He said: “Although I have PKD myself, I’m fortunate that it hasn’t had a major impact on my daily life yet.

“Meeting others who are dealing with dialysis, transplants and the more severe effects of the condition was incredibly humbling. They were so open and generous in sharing their stories and it really inspired me to do something to help.”

By taking on the demanding ultra-marathon, Ian hopes to raise funds to support the charity’s work of helping patients and families, funding vital research into new treatments and efforts to raise awareness of the condition.

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Ian said: “At 65, taking on a 175km race – including my first ever overnight run – will definitely be a challenge, but if it helps raise awareness and funds for people living with PKD, every mile will be worth it.”

Anyone who would like to show their support for Ian and The PKD Charity can donate if they wish at https://www.justgiving.com/page/ian-ripper-pkd

The PKD Charity offers one-to-one support through its telephone peer support service and group support through tele-conference calls.

A confidential helpline is open from 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0300 111 1234.