A RADIOGRAPHER from Halwill with a life-threatening disease is taking part in a sponsored walk across the country to raise awareness of her rare condition.

Kim Balsdon, 21, was diagnosed with atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome — aHUS — in November 2013. When she was diagnosed she was in her final year of study of radiotherapy and oncology at Cardiff University and up to that point has always been in good health.

One of only 200 people in the country with the condition, Kim's immune system and bloods cells are affected by the disease. It can cause renal failure, which leads to the failure of other vital organs.

Kim's grandfather and other members of her family had suffered with aHUS in the past.

Until recently those who were diagnosed faced a poor prognosis, but research has led to advancements in treatment of the disease and Kim's fundraising efforts should help research continue into aHUS.

On this year's 'Rare Disease Day' on February 26, Kim will start the 'Journey for Life', a sponsored walk from Illand near Launceston to the Centre for Life in Newcastle. Kim will walk the first 50-mile leg from Illand to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to play her part in raising awareness of aHUS and funds for Kidney Research UK.

Kim said: 'The research done over the past 20 years by Kidney Research UK has led to a greater understanding of what is happening in the patient and a miracle drug has been developed.

'Once I received this drug, Eculizumab, my kidney function slowly returned to normal and I left hospital within two days.

'I was able to continue my degree, graduate and start work. 

'I now lead a normal healthy life only needing to have fortnightly infusions of the drug — no plasma exchange, no dialysis, no need for a transplant and the same quality of life I enjoyed before.

'Although my treatment is now available on the NHS there are still many unanswered questions about my condition.

'I want to raise awareness of aHUS and raise as much money as possible to get more answers to questions about my condition.'

More information can be found on her JustGiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/Kimberley-Balsdon1">www.justgiving.com/Kimberley-Balsdon1