Cyclist raises over £2,500 after conquering very rare kidney disease (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Cyclist who conquered rare kidney disease completes bike marathon

9:30am Sunday 21st October 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

A SPORTS enthusiast, lucky to be alive after developing a very rare kidney disease, has completed a bike marathon.

Jo Carter, aged 44, cycled 202 kilometres and raised £2,500 for Kidney Research UK and Sudden Arrhymic Death Syndrome UK.

She wants to thank everyone who supported her charity trek from Runcorn to Stoke and back again.

Jo, who works at The Holiday Inn in Runcorn, said: “It was hard work but very rewarding.

“It took nine hours, 48 minutes to do over two days.

“My target was £1,500, but we raised £2,500, which is amazing. Friends, family and work colleagues have been very generous.”

Jo was diagnosed with Goodpastures Syndrome in February 2011, an auto immune disease in which your own antibodies start to destroy your organs. It affects only one in five million people.

Her kidneys were saved through a plasma exchange. She spent two weeks in intensive care, six months of chemotherapy and relies on drugs for survival.

Jo, from Stockton Heath, said: “I am going to start training again, aiming for 100 miles in one day next time.”