Rachel Bishop, a Specialist Public Health Practitioner, decided to sign up to do a tandem skydive to raise funds for the National Kidney Federation (NKF) back in 2021, and fundraise in memory of her beloved sister-in-law, Sarah Moody, who sadly passed away in November 2020.

Making a fundraising comeback, this time, Rachel wants to stay grounded.

Now setting to raise even more funds by taking on the 2^nd largest marathon in the UK, with the Manchester Marathon in April 2023 for the National Kidney Federation.

Rachel explains her reasons behind why she signed up to the marathon challenge:
"I signed up for this experience as I like to challenge myself at times and what better way than to do a marathon! I love running, I may not be the fastest of runners, but I enjoy it all the same. I’ve completed a few half marathons before and never thought I would do a full one. What greater way to do it than complete it for charity? There are many charities out there but the National Kidney Federation meant a lot to my sister-in-law Sarah. This charity not only supports kidney patients but families as well.

Sarah was a kidney patient herself who had two kidney transplants in her lifetime. Her first transplant was at 18 years old and a second when she was 27 years old. These kidney transplants meant everything to her and were so precious to allow her to lead a fantastic life. She would fundraise for charities all of the time, even when she was poorly, she would always think about other people and their needs.”

Sarah had even competed for Great Britain in the World Transplant Games over numerous years including the sports badminton, volleyball and basketball and won numerous medals for Team GB.

"Sarah travelled across the world to compete in her sport for Great Britain and I had the amazing opportunity to watch her in Malaga in 2017 as well as other British games that were at various places across the UK. She amazed me with her courage and fight for life, and I will never forget her, she has left a massive hole in the world. She was one of my best friends and the best sister-in-law anyone could ever wish for.”

Commenting on how she feels about taking on the marathon, Rachel said: "I’m feeling nervous at the minute and do have small doubts about it now and then. I had an injury which has recently put setbacks on my training, but I will be there on the day to take part, it will be a week before my 46^th birthday. I will complete the challenge I’ve set myself and I will enjoy every minute of it.”

Rachel’s fundraising target for the event on her JustGiving page is £500 with an incredible £494 already in thanks to her amazing supporters. However much more funds could be achieved to support Rachel with her efforts of raising awareness on kidney disease and in memory of Sarah.

She continues: "So far I have had lots of support from my fellow running friends and running club aka ‘mountain goats’, a few of us ‘goats’ will be there on the day either competing or supporting, it is a fabulous and friendly running club. So, let’s go and smash it!”

Head of Fundraising and Marketing at the NKF, Pete Revell, commented on Rachel’s story: "Seeing Rachel take on yet another fundraiser for the National Kidney Federation is just fantastic, Rachel, we wish you all the very best of your challenge, good luck and thank you!”

If you would like to support Rachel please visit her JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rachel-Bishop22

Are you are inspired by Rachel and her marathon mission in aid of the National Kidney Federation? Check out their events page.