Ryan hopes to become first transplant athlete to run from Land's End to John O'Groats
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Ryan Brett is attempting to be the first transplant athlete to complete an 850-mile run between Land's End and John O'Groats and boost the funds of a charity which means a lot to him.
He set off at the end of May and is scheduled to arrive in Groats on Wednesday after clocking up more than 50 miles a day for 17 days. Ryan, who had a kidney transplant in 2015, aims to raise money for Transplant Sport UK – a charity which raises awareness of the need for organ donation and using sport as a way to improve health and wellbeing for post-transplant patients – and to inspire children to be their best.
"This has been a dream of mine for a while now and, failing last year's attempt due to Covid, I'm more determined than ever. I'm doing it for two reasons to inspire my son and other children to push themselves to achieve what they think is the unachievable and to believe they can do or be anything.
"The other reason is to test myself both physically and mentally to see what I can do I was given a second chance and I'm not going to waste it!
Ryan added: "I will be fundraising for transplant sport kids and teens because all children have been hit hard this last year especially ones that have had to shield so all the money will go towards setting up family events for them and other ways to support them," said Ryan who is running between the most south-western and north-eastern points in the UK."
Throughout his challenging journey, Ryan was met and supported by transplant and donor families.
Transplant Sport UK organises sport and social events for members to connect with others who have had a transplant.
A spokeswoman said: "We encourage members to get fit and active while celebrating their return to health. Post-transplant fitness is essential for a healthy future. Our events help members to engage in sport and social activity whilst promoting the donor register. Members get to enjoy the gift of life they have received and share experiences with each other."
