A Brynaman mum has signed up to run this year’s Cardiff 10K road race to raise vital funds for the charity which has supported her son through his kidney transplant.

Ceinwen Rees, 43, has pledged to raise funds for Kidney Wales, the charity which supports thousands of patients and their families across Wales suffering from the effects of kidney disease.

Ceinwen donated one of her kidneys to her son, Dylan, 14, in November 2015.

Dylan born with a single kidney and had always known he would need to have a transplant in the future. Fortunately, it was discovered that Ceinwen was a perfect donor match and the loving mother did not hesitate in donating one of kidneys to her suffering son.

For much of his life, Dylan has depended on the support of the team at the Children’s Kidney Centre at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where he received his dialysis treatment.

Ceinwen said: “The team at the Children’s Kidney Centre were wonderful in talking us through all the procedures and providing education for Dylan whilst hooked up to his dialysis machine.

“He could also get a TV and games console wheeled into his bedside to keep him occupied. The dialysis staff played games, chatted and always kept the atmosphere cheery and homely.”

The medical team have continued to support Dylan, Ceinwen and the family ever since.

“Until you’re affected by kidney problems, you don’t realise, or fully appreciate, the ramifications it can have on sufferers and their families,” she added.

“However, when it happens to you and your family you’re suddenly opened up to this whole new world. It’s not a world you ever want to be a part of, but it’s so comforting to know there are others who are sharing your experiences and know what you’re going through.

“The whole team at the Children’s Kidney Centre have been absolutely brilliant in supporting Dylan and me over the years – especially his consultant, Dr Van Der Voort, and his head nurses, Mags and Rhian.

“They are a wonderful team who are like extended family – I can pick the phone up and talk to them night or day – they’re always there for us.”

With this September’s Cardiff 10K just around the corner, Ceinwen has started training for what will be her first race in years.

Preparing to embrace the challenge, she said: “I haven’t been training very regularly, and I’m yet to feel the ‘rush’ or ‘addiction to running’ that other runners talk about. I’m sure it will come, in time.”

A supportive Dylan will be waiting at the finish line to celebrate with his mum.

Speaking ahead of the race, Roy Thomas, Chief Executive of Kidney Wales said: “It’s so encouraging to see how Dylan and Ceinwen have come through such difficult times, and are looking towards the Cardiff 10K with optimism.