After seeing mum going through kidney disease and dialysis, it was upsetting knowing I would probably be going through the same.
CKD diagnosis and dialysis
"I was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2024. I was 26 at the time and randomly got gout in my foot, which was a shock because I didn't really drink, I didn’t smoke and I exercised. I had a blood test at the GP surgery and few days later I got a call at 4am. I was told my results were showing I had kidney failure and I needed to go to hospital as soon as possible. I thought it couldn't be right because I felt normal.
"I was in the Lake District at the time, so my partner and I went to Barrow Hospital and then drove back home to Bolton Hospital, where I stayed for a week. I had X-rays, body scans, more blood tests. The doctors thought it could be AKI and I was put on a drip, but my kidney function wasn't improving. They attempted three kidney biopsies, but my kidneys were so damaged that they couldn't get a sample. Eventually, I was told I had stage 4 CKD.
"My mum has had two kidney transplants, so I was aware of kidney disease and dialysis, but it was still a massive shock, getting that diagnosis at a young age. After seeing mum going through kidney disease and dialysis, it was upsetting knowing I would probably be going through the same. There was so much in my head – how my kidney disease would affect my future, would I need time off work, would I be able to pay my mortgage. It was such a big worry."
Niven in hospital after his gout flare up, and showing his PD catheter
"After a few months at stage 4, I went into stage 5 CKD and managed as well as I could until March 2026. When my kidney function dropped to 7%, I started peritoneal dialysis (PD).
"I always knew dialysis was going to happen, I just didn't know it would happen so soon after diagnosis. If you're doing everything you can to steady your kidney function, but it is still going down, there isn't much more you can do but wait.
"Now I am just trying to keep my kidney function stable and not letting kidney disease take over my life. I don't live by its terms but there are challenges, things I took for granted before. I can't have a quick shower with my catheter, having a good night's sleep without the machine alarming is hard, it is awkward to find comfortable sleeping positions. But, touch wood, everything has gone smoothly. I try not to be negative about kidney failure and dialysis. I treat PD as part of my routine; it's something I have to do and nothing more than that."
It was honestly one of the best days of my life. Seeing the Kidney Care UK team support us, all the other runners, it was just crazy. Running London Marathon was a pinch-me moment.
Kidney Care UK, running marathons and fundraising
"I decided to run the London Marathon 2025 for Kidney Care UK after reading an issue of Kidney Matters magazine and seeing various events that people had organised. I thought it would be cool to raise money and awareness about the charity and what I'm going through.
"I wanted to show people that anyone can get kidney disease – not just older or frail people, but also young people like me. So, I applied to run for Kidney Care UK, and a few weeks later I got a call from the Fundraising team saying they'd love for me to join their London Marathon team. I was made up and training started!
"I was stage 5 (pre-dialysis) CKD at the time, and it was hard to train while fatigued and suffering from kidney disease. I had done two marathons before my diagnosis, and during the training for those I was taking supplements and electrolytes. But after my diagnosis I started my kidney diet, I had to stop having any kind of electrolytes and I got cramp a lot with the lack of sodium. I'd have days when I would wake up completely wiped out and have to run 20km. Running a marathon is a feat, let alone running one with kidney disease.
"Then came race day. I felt good for the first 10k, but a few weeks before the Marathon I had injured my iliotibial band and that flared up for the rest of the run. It was a battle to get to the finish line. But I had such an amazing goal and reason to run that got me through the injury.
"Crossing the finish line was emotional. Everything I had gone through personally, doing it for people who might not be able to run a marathon… I was just so happy, I was so proud of myself. It really sunk in when I got my medal and met up with my partner, Isabelle, and her parents."
Niven after London Marathon 2025 and running an ultra marathon
"It was honestly one of the best days of my life. Seeing the Kidney Care UK team support us, all the other runners, it was just crazy. Running London Marathon was a pinch-me moment. It is so hard to describe unless you have done it, that feeling – there is so much time that goes in, the training plan, everyone there running for a reason. It is just a flood of emotions.
"I am still in the Kidney Care UK London Marathon WhatsApp group and having that community is so special. Even though I've never met them, I feel like they know my journey and I know theirs. That community has created something really amazing; I feel like I've known these people all my life."
Setting a Half Marathon challenge
"I never actually planned on doing the 2026 Manchester Half Marathon, but someone I know said they had a spare ticket and I just decided to run it. Similar to the London Marathon, I thought, if I can do this on dialysis, it will show people that you can still achieve and do cool things, even if life throws kidney failure at you. I am training as I normally would, and rest on the days I need to listen to my body. Dialysis comes first.
"This year, a Manchester Marathon runner set a world record for the fastest marathon on dialysis*. I thought that was amazing and I was inspired to aim for the half-marathon record for someone on dialysis. The current record is two hours 20 minutes, so I am looking to break that and finish under two hours."
*This world record was set by Cameron Fraser who ran the 2026 Manchester Marathon to raise funds for Kidney Care UK.
I feel like I have a very good life, I am very grateful. I like to think I am a good example of how kidney failure doesn't have to define who you are.
Living donation and looking to the future
"The next step after the Half Marathon is hopefully getting a kidney transplant. My dad is looking to donate his kidney to me and a few weeks ago, in early September 2026 we got his results back and he can donate. That was incredible. Apparently, he is a 'gold standard' match! It is still early doors, but we are moving forward and waiting for our two renal teams and surgeons to sort a date for the operation.
"If everything goes well with the transplant, next August my partner Isabelle and I are getting married. We actually went on our first date in the Lake District, where I also got my kidney disease diagnosis, and on our first date I fell and sprained my ankle! I dropped her off, got my foot checked out and went home hoping she would text me back and not get the ick about me falling over on our first date. We've been together for over five years now."
Niven and Isabelle in Ibiza after proposing, and Niven with his dad
"Health is so important, and it took kidney failure for me to really see and appreciate that for myself. I get messages on social media from people on dialysis who can't get out of bed, let alone run, so I do feel lucky. I have lots of friends and they understand what I'm going through. If we go out for food or a drink, they know I can't stay out late, they just get it. Kidney failure has opened my eyes, and the eyes of the people around me.
"I feel like I have a very good life, I am very grateful. I am able to work out, go to the gym, run and travel. I went to the Dolomites this year while on PD with my friends, hiking, and that was amazing. I like to think I am a good example of how kidney failure doesn't have to define who you are."
