Man runs for Kidney Wales in memory of father
Simon Murphy is 40 years old and lives in Mountain Ash with his wife and their five children. He works as an Account Manager for a leading UK-based fire safety equipment supplier in Caerphilly. This year, Simon is taking on the CDF 10K to raise money for Kidney Wales driven by a deeply personal reason and a determination to turn loss into something positive.
A family changed by kidney disease
In June 2023, Simon’s father was diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease. Alongside diabetes and other health conditions, his health declined rapidly. By May 2024, his kidney disease had progressed to kidney failure, and from June 2024 he began dialysis three times a week.
“Dialysis became the centre of his life,” Simon explained. “He had to give up work, couldn’t drive, and for months couldn’t walk without support. Everything revolved around treatment.”
Tragically, Simon’s father passed away in July 2025. The impact on the family was huge, but so too was the support they witnessed along the way — particularly from the Llantrisant Dialysis Unit, whose care left a lasting impression on Simon and his family.
Learning, support and awareness
Through attending hospital appointments with his father and learning more via the Kidney Wales website, Simon gained a much deeper understanding of how kidney disease affects the body and just how life-changing it can be.
“Until you’re close to it, you don’t realise the damage kidney disease can cause or how vital the right support is,” Simon said. “That knowledge stays with you.”
Turning an eye-opener into action
In September 2024, Simon himself was diagnosed with diabetes — the same condition that had played such a major role in his father’s illness. Seeing first-hand the damage it could cause was a turning point.
Within 12 weeks, Simon made significant changes. He took up running, transformed his lifestyle, lost two stone, and reversed his diabetes diagnosis.
“Watching what my father went through was a real eye-opener,” he said. “I now live a completely healthy lifestyle, something I never would have imagined before.”
Running for Kidney Wales
Running the CDF 10K is Simon’s way of giving back and honouring his father’s memory.
“Kidney disease became a huge part of our lives,” he explained. “I want to support Kidney Wales so they can continue helping others going through what my dad did. I know it would make him proud. Kidney Wales turns support into hope.”
When asked what he’s most looking forward to, Simon didn’t hesitate: “The atmosphere. The crowd, the runners, everyone encouraging each other to reach that finish line, it’s unbeatable.”
Simon’s story is a powerful reminder that running isn’t just about fitness or medals it’s about community, purpose, and making a difference. By joining #TeamKW at the CDF 10K, runners like Simon are helping ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone.
