THE shock diagnosis of chronic kidney disease for a determined seven-year-old has compelled a family to fundraise for charity.

Latchford mum Claire Smith and her son Will are embarking on a gruelling challenge this Christmas to raise vital funds for Kidney Research UK.

They will walk 8,500 steps a day throughout December to represent the 850million people worldwide living with kidney disease.

This will help to fund research into improving treatments, and comes after Will was diagnosed over the summer with Berger’s Disease and Henoch-Schonlein Purpura disorder.

Both are forms of chronic kidney disease, and the diagnosis came as a complete shock to the family.

The conditions were diagnosed after Will felt unwell, with doctors discovering that his kidneys had started to bleed, which led to a stay at hospital and subsequent tests to confirm suspicions.

Both Will and Claire have had to adapt to the new reality of living with kidney disease, and while Will’s condition is currently stable, he has had to make frequent visits to hospital whenever his kidneys begin to bleed as a result of contracting a mild cold or cough.

More intensive treatment may be on the horizon if his kidneys going into failure.

“Hearing that your son has been diagnosed with a serious and long-term condition like kidney disease is a particularly daunting experience,” Claire said.

“However, with the love and support of our family and friends, along with the dedication of medical professionals, Will and I are living each day to the full.

“Looking to the future, we do not know what might happen, but we hope that treatments have advanced by the time Will needs them.

“Supporting and raising money for Kidney Research UK is a step in the right direction, in advancing future treatments and giving hope to thousands of kidney patients like Will.”

Will is currently at the very start of his journey with kidney disease, however his conditions will continue to damage his kidneys throughout his life, potentially leading to dialysis and even transplant.

There is no timescale on the level of deterioration and when or even if Will’s kidneys will fail, but the family is hoping that investing in research now will deliver a significantly better future for Will.

Marc Shaw, head of community and events at Kidney Research UK, said: “Patients with kidney disease are well aware that they face a life of difficult treatments without a cure.

“Dialysis and transplants are far from straightforward and are not permanent solutions, so research needs to transform these gruelling treatments and deliver life changing outcomes for kidney patients.

“By taking on our Step into Christmas challenge, our supporters like Will and Claire are helping us further the crucial research and developments that make living with kidney disease easier for everyone.”

If you would like to support Will and Claire through their challenge, visit justgiving.com/Claire-Smith303