A double transplant patient from Harrogate received a warm welcome at the hospital today when he completed a year-long 850-mile charity walk.
Mark Smith, who received a new kidney and pancreas, is a keen walker and has completed various challenges raising £17,000 in total but this latest feat was his most difficult yet.
Hospital staff, representatives of Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity, as well as Harrogate borough mayor and mayoress Trevor and Janet Chapman cheered as he arrived at the hospital this afternoon.
His 850-mile target represented the 850 million people who suffer with kidney disease across the world.
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His latest challenge has raised £615 for Kidney Care UK and Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity. You can donate by clicking or tapping here.
Mr Smith told the Stray Ferret:
“My favourite walk was a 23-mile walk from my home in Jennyfields. I first went to Ripley then all the way out to Birstwith and then to Winksley and back. I got some ice cream on the way.
“It’s about determination and resilience. You can’t think about the ‘what ifs’. Life is short. The transplants have not stopped me and neither have my other conditions.
“When you go on the organ donor register you are not just saving someone’s life but you give them the chance to lead a better life they never imagined.”
