A MUM from Reading is set to take on the bridges of London this summer in memory of her husband and in aid of charity next week.
Caroline Prodger is set to become one of up to 1,000 participants joining the Kidney Research UK London Bridges Walk.
She’s taking on the challenge in memory of her husband, Gareth, who passed away as the result of his autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
ADPKD is a genetic condition which causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys.
Gareth’s condition was confirmed by a scan shortly after the pair met, and his father also died of the condition shortly before the pair married in 2005.
The couple faced heartbreak in 2010 when they lost their baby daughter, but found new hope with the arrival of a son two years later.
Medication helped to slow the progress of his ADPKD, but by 2020 Gareth’s kidneys had failed.
Cardiac issues often accompany kidney disease, and, in a devastating blow for the family, he was also diagnosed with severe heart failure.
The family suffered an agonising wait for a heart transplant, with their hopes also resting on the kidney transplant to be made possible through a donation from his brother Dafydd.
In June last year, Gareth received what should have been a life-saving heart transplant, but despite working hard on rehab, he was not well enough for further surgery.
In December last year, he developed a serious infection and he was admitted to hospital for the last time in early February this year.
He passed away surrounded by his family in March.
Now Caroline and her family are keen to highlight the life-changing impact of organ donation and highlight the urgent need for more research into inherited and chronic kidney disease.
Caroline said: “Gareth would be glad we are joining the walk in his memory. We hope to do something positive, by fundraising for research into kidney disease and raising awareness of its impact on people’s lives.”
Speaking on George’s father passing away before their wedding, she said: ““It was a bittersweet occasion without him there–and now our son won’t have his father at his wedding either.”
“He felt like a miracle to us–Gareth was so proud of him and threw himself into fatherhood.
“We knew Gareth’s kidneys were slowly deteriorating, but we were two peas in a pod and felt lucky to have found each other.
“We had careers we enjoyed, a beautiful family, and a home filled with love.
““Gareth had to begin peritoneal dialysis at home, first manually and then on a machine overnight.
“During this time, he needed hernia surgery and suffered a transient ischaemic attack [a mini stroke]–that was terrifying.”
She explained: “We are still mired in the raw grief of being without Gareth–my son has lost his beloved dad at 13 years old, and I have lost my husband, co-parent, soulmate and best friend.
“He was super bright, funny and kind, and we’d been inseparable since we met almost 30 years ago–he is so dearly missed.”
“But it seems fitting to put one foot in front of the other to walk the London Bridges Walk in Gareth’s memory.
“I like to think he will be there walking alongside us–it will be a long road ahead before we feel a little more at peace, and it’s a case of taking one step at a time.”
“Our family are eternally grateful for the chance of life given to us by Gareth’s heart donor, despite our eventual loss. By supporting research, we hope lives can be improved for people affected by kidney disease in the future.”
Lucy Sreeves, executive director of Kidney Research UK, said: “We are so grateful to have Caroline’s support after everything she and her family have been through.
“Gareth’s story is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for breakthroughs in kidney disease.
“We remain absolutely committed to driving research that prevents kidney disease, improves treatments, and gives families a better future.
“I hope many, many more will join Caroline in London on July 6.”
More information about Caroline’s fundraiser, including how to donate, is available via: kidneyresearchuk.enthuse.com/pf/caroline-prodger-44942
More information about the Kidney Research UK London Bridges Walk is available via: kidneyresearchuk.org/fundraising-events/london-bridges-walk/
