Runner set to tackle 10k following second kidney transplant

Tanya Dunne has lived with chronic kidney disease since she was 19 years-old, a condition that has led to two kidney transplants, lots of medications and treatments including dialysis. Now aged 53, Tanya is preparing to take part in the 10k at this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run.

“I was lucky to receive a kidney from my dad and, when that eventually failed, an amazing friend of mine stepped forward and luckily her kidney was a match,” explains Tanya.

“Thanks to her, I now have my second new kidney and being able to take part in the 10k shows how far things have come for me.”

Tanya was working as a veterinary nurse when she received her diagnosis. She’d had a long day standing in the operating theatre when she noticed how swollen her feet were and, on the vet’s advice, she went to her GP. Two days later, she was at Southmead Hospital in Bristol having a kidney biopsy.

Initially, Tanya managed her condition with medication, but eventually one of her kidneys failed and she needed either dialysis or a transplant. Thanks to her father’s donated kidney, she avoided dialysis and was able to live what she describes as a normal life, alongside regular visits to monitor her condition at hospital.

“It’s not a curable condition, but it’s possible to improve it or to at least slow it down,” explains Tanya. “I was lucky to have around 20 years of living well with my dad’s kidney, but things changed soon after I lost my husband.”

Tanya’s husband passed away in late 2017 and the following April, she was told the kidney her father donated had started to fail. Her medication was switched to help the kidney last as long as it could and she eventually received peritoneal dialysis, a treatment done by the patient at home, until she received the new kidney donated by her friend. The operation took place at Southmead Hospital in October 2024.

A mental and physical boost

It was after losing her husband that Tanya first got into running.

“At the time, running was amazing at helping me with the grief and low feelings and I still tried to continue doing it while I was on dialysis. But I became very anaemic and the kidney disease can make you feel really tired as well, so I had to stop.”

Tanya started running again four months after receiving her new kidney and took part in the 5k at the Plymouth Festival of Running in May 2025.

“It was on the same day as the Great Bristol Run and, when I got home and saw all the buzz on Facebook about that event, I really wanted to enter the 10k for this year.”

Since signing up, Tanya has experienced a few setbacks to her training. As well as musculoskeletal issues caused by the drugs she was taking to stop her body rejecting her new kidney, she had a slow recovery from a slipped disc and a torn calf muscle, as the medication delayed her healing.  But despite these setbacks, Tanya is now back into running again and is looking forward to the 10k.

“I might have to use the ‘Jeffing’ method and run-walk the distance, but I’m determined to do it! My partner is going to do it with me and, while he can run the distance without stopping, he’s happy to go at my pace for this.”

For Tanya, running has become an important way to boost both her mental and physical health.

“Running makes me feel normal. I’m just so happy that I can do it in some way or another and because I’ve had those times when I’ve not been able to, it makes me appreciate it even more. It just gives me a buzz and makes me feel good.

“It also helps my cardiovascular system, which is important because the renal and cardiovascular systems are closely linked. For example, kidneys play a role in controlling your blood pressure and I no longer have to take blood pressure tablets, which I’m sure is helped by the running I’ve been doing.”

Tanya’s advice to anyone who has experienced a medical setback and is considering taking up running is to follow the advice of medical professionals – and don’t give up.

“As long as the doctors say it’s alright to do it, then do it! And get a good physio rather than trying to treat yourself when you’re injured.

“I’m very much a believer that my kidney disease is part of my life, but not my whole life. It’s not become my personality and running is always a reminder of that.”

Tanya will be raising funds for Kidney Research UK, which is driving faster progress for everyone affected by kidney disease: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tanya-dunne-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

An inclusive celebration of running for all ages and abilities, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run takes over the city’s streets on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May. The popular 10k and half-marathon routes take in some of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, including a trip through the historic harbourside, past Castle Park and through Queen Square, with views along the Avon Gorge on the way.

A live finish-line DJ, on-course music zones and thousands of cheering spectators add to the buzzing atmosphere, carrying all the way through to the après-run zone in Millennium Square, an ideal spot to start post-run celebrations.

Last year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run sold out in advance and the same is expected for 2026 so entering early is advised. To secure your place at the start line, visit: www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/