Kay's plea to get disease on the run

Two members of her husband's family died of a hereditary disease – and now her three-year-old son, husband and sister-in-law are battling it.

But Kay Turner is determined to make a difference for future generations by boosting a charity's search for a cure for polycystic kidney disease.

And now she has set up a fundraising run with a difference to bring in hundreds of pounds.

The 5km run can be done at any time, anywhere, and people can donate the money they generate in sponsorship for the Polycystic Kidney Charity.

The family has been hit by the news that more cysts have been discovered growing on three-year-old Charlie's kidneys in recent weeks.

As they do not know what the future holds for Charlie, 33-year-old Mrs Turner, of Chasetown, has decided to focus on her charity campaign.

Phillip Turner, who died from the disease aged 42.

She said: "We weren't expecting this, and we don't know what will happen next, so we have just got to keep going because there is nothing that can be done to treat it until he has kidney failure – although that could be in later life."

Charlie's father Craig, 37, also has the disease – and only found out when he was being checked by doctors after volunteering to donate a kidney to his sister Debbie, who also suffers from polycycstic kidney disease

His father Phillip died of a brain haemorrhage caused by the disease 14 years ago, aged 42, and his grandmother Jean died before him of the same condition.

The disease can have varying levels of seriousness – but there is little medication available to treat it at its more serious stages.

It can cause enlargement of the kidneys and also damage the liver, pancreas and, in some rare cases, the heart and brain.

Craig, a manager for a delivery firm in Tamworth, is currently continuing with life as normal other than taking blood pressure tablets and having regular check-ups.

Mrs Turner has raised more than £1,000 for the charity so far. And she is meeting with charity bosses to discuss setting up an annual fundraising event.

Kay's husband Craig Turner, who suffers from the disease

More than 30 people are taking part in the run, and everyone who completes it will get a medal.

Mrs Turner is concerned that there is not enough awareness of the disease. She said: "This is the only thing I can do, and it may only be small but I hope we can make a difference."

To take part in the run, visit Mrs Turner's Facebook page, or just giving site at www.justgiving.com/Kay-Turner2/