Member Spotlight: Kathryn C

Kidney Beamer Kathryn shares her story about having Henoch Schonlein Purpura (HSP), and getting a kidney from her dad.

Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself!

Hi I'm Kathryn and I've been a kidney patient for 22 years. I was diagnosed with Henoch Schonlein Purpura (HSP) when I was 12. This affected my whole body very badly and 5 months later I ended up in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London with barely functioning kidneys due to the HSP. I was put onto dialysis and had 10 lots of plasma exchange as well as high doses of steroids and lots of other medications. I was due to go to the operating room to have a more permanent access for dialysis put in but amazingly through the wonderful work of the doctors and nurses, I left hospital with around 40% kidney function but knowing that I would need a transplant in the future. Over the next 14 years my kidney function gradually declined and in May 2013 my wonderful Dad, Kevin, donated his kidney (Kev the Kidney) to me at Leicester General Hospital, all thanks to the wonderful Professor Nicholson and the amazing team on Ward 17. I will be forever grateful for his gift of life. 

How do you feel about physical activity?

I think that physical activity and movement is a good way to try to keep ourselves as healthy as we can be, particularly as kidney patients. Having said that, when I was at school I didn't like PE, probably because I never felt confident doing it. I think this probably determined how I felt about physical activity as I grew and I never had the confidence to go to the gym or to any exercise classes. After my transplant I was asked about physical activity by one of the doctors in the clinic. I told him I was going to join the gym and I did actually mean it at the time.....however I never did, I just never felt confident enough and I was also worried about possibly overdoing it or hurting myself or my kidney and I just didn't know where to start. Friends would go to classes like Zumba etc but I never felt confident going as I was worried about not being able to keep up or do as well as them. I felt like my kidney disease was restricting me (although looking back, I don't think it would have).

What has helped you to overcome your barriers to moving more?

3 years ago I took part in a 3 month research study which involved HIIT on an exercise bike, with the Leicester Kidney Lifestyle team and this really boosted my confidence and gave me the incentive I needed to join the gym.  Rosey who led the research study (and is also one of the first Beam instructors) supported me through the research study and by the end of it I definitely felt like I had a lot more confidence and knew my limits. I began going to the gym but did feel quite anxious and had to really build myself up to going. Then Covid struck and I found myself at home like many other kidney patients. I was very aware that I wanted to exercise (as my job in retail kept me on my feet all day and constantly on the go) but didn't know where to start. 

How has Beam helped you to keep active or changed your perspective on physical activity?

I did a few YouTube videos but when Beam came along I felt like this was something really great, mainly because it is for kidney patients and because of this I felt more confident in taking part in sessions, something that I hadn't felt before. I enjoy the HIIT on demand sessions with Rosey as they really get me moving, and I love the Yoga sessions with Ciara and Harriet and take part in these weekly. The on demand sessions are great if I am unable to make a session. The classes are so beneficial for our physical and emotional wellbeing and the other members taking part are so nice. It's really lovely to have a chat as a group before and after the sessions and I really love the social side of it too. I have met new people and made friends through Beam which is also a wonderful part of this and something that I didn't expect. 

What else makes you feel good? 

As well as Beam I love to meet up with friends and family for walks. Pre Covid I was used to being out and about all the time, whether that be at work or meeting up with friends but now my Mum and I go for a 4/5 mile walk every Friday which I always look forward to. I also love to support other kidney patients and raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation. I'm a Community Ambassador and Research Network Volunteer for Kidney Research UK and I'm also part of the Share Your Wishes team, we raise awareness of the need to share your organ donation wishes with your family.  I love how supportive the kidney community is and Beam is a perfect example of this. It brings us together in a safe environment to exercise and move and know that what we are doing is both beneficial and safe. It's a place where we are able to share our experiences with others going through the same journey and know that we are all there to support each other.

Feeling inspired by Kathryn and want to try some new classes on Beam?

All classes can be taken at your own pace, and if you’re feeling nervous, let the instructor know and they’ll be sure to reassure you. You can start with an On Demand session, to get active with a Live Class and join the rest of the Kidney Beam community.

Remember, the Beam Team is here to support you too, so if you have any questions about starting classes, please feel free to get in touch with us - hello@kidneybeam.com