FOR most people approaching 70, a skydive and 10-kilometre run would be the last thing on their minds.

But that is exactly what a 69-year-old mother who lives in Appleton is planning on doing to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Christine Renshaw will be taking on the two daunting events to celebrate her 70th birthday, and says she is looking forward to pushing herself once again.

“I took part in my first Great Manchester 10k Run back in 2017, where I was able to raise £2,400 for Kidneys for Life,” she said.

“At the time I was 68 and had donated one of my kidneys but I managed to complete it whilst raising money for a brilliant charity.

“I hope that I am proof that it is possible to lead a normal life with only one kidney.”

In 2004, Christine’s son James was diagnosed with incurable IgA Nephropathy, which is a kidney disease that vastly deteriorates the organ’s performance.

The result of this was that James required a transplant, and it was Christine who went ahead with the surgery and ‘gave James his life back’.

“It was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make, continued Christine.

“In the years before the transplant, James had to endure stays in hospitals all over the country, suffered from nausea, fatigue and pain and had to suffer numerous biopsies and blood tests.

“After the operation though, he was feeling better within hours and was back working within 6 months.

“The operation really did give James and his family their life back.”

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One of the reasons why Christine is putting herself through the 10k run and skydive is to give something back to the people who helped her family through a difficult time.

“The transplant team at Manchester Royal Infirmary and the pre and post -operation renal teams there and at Salford Royal really are fantastic,” Christine continued.

“Their ongoing support and monitoring for both James and me really make us feel part of the renal family.

“I wanted to give something back as without their help, my son might not be alive today or enjoying life as much as he now can.”

And Christine also wants to raise money to fund vital research, which could save the life of people like James in years to come.

“Research is constantly taking place, with technology and treatment methods improving all the time,” said the Appleton resident.

“Scientists are already looking into the possibility of creating artificial kidneys which would be brilliant and end the need for donors and limit the need for dialysis.

“If the money I’ve raised can go towards making things like that a reality or just to support the surgeons and their teams, I would be over the moon.”

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She did admit that she was a little bit worried about the upcoming events but is more excited than anything.

“When you get to the ground, I’ve heard you will want to do it again straight away but I’m not so sure about that,” Christine joked.

“It would be foolish to say I’m not a little nervous and apprehensive about it but people who have done it say it is a great experience.”

Christine’s first challenge will take place on Saturday, May 11, where she will jump out of a plane flying at 10,000ft and plummet to the ground at over 120mph.

She then turns 70 on Friday, May 17, which is two days before she heads to Manchester to take on the Great Manchester Run.

Christine is hoping to fundraise £2,500 for Kidneys for Life and has recently smashed through the £1,200 barrier.

If you would like to donate to Christine’s fundraising efforts, this can be done via her Virgin Money Giving page here.