Young boy with rare kidney condition joins Peterborough March March
A ten-year-old boy living with a rare kidney condition is challenging himself to complete a major fundraising walk in Peterborough for Kidney Research UK.
Caelan Wright will be taking part in the five-mile Peterborough March March alongside friends and family, raising funds for research that could change his life.
Caelan is among an estimated 18,000 people in Peterborough who are living with kidney disease. The walk on Saturday 28 March at Ferry Meadows country park is open to all, creating an opportunity for the community to unite in support of research to transform treatments.
Caelan’s mum, Sammy, says: “Although Caelan’s condition is very rare, it was caused genetically and both of my brothers live with it too. They both needed transplants in their late thirties after their kidneys failed and it has had a huge impact on their lives.
“Nobody knows what the future holds for Caelan. It is such a rare disease and all we can compare to is what has happened to my brothers. Unless there are advances in research, it will probably be the same story and that’s very upsetting to think about.”
Caelan says: “It has been scary having to spend time in hospital and I am worried about what’s to come. Seeing my uncles going through it has been very hard. I hope I can protect my kidneys so I can continue to play football for as long as possible, but I do get tired more than I used to.”
Looking ahead to the Peterborough March March, Sammy says: “We can’t wait to join the walk. Supporting more research will increase understanding of kidney conditions and help us prepare for what’s to come.”
Caelen’s story
Just two years ago, Caelan was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition called Dent’s disease, after blood and protein were found in his urine.
Sammy says: “We noticed Caelan’s urine was frothy and took him to the doctors where this was tested. His results led to discovering his kidney condition and learning that I am a genetic carrier of the disease. There is no cure to stop it completely. All we can do is try to slow it down to protect his kidney function for as long as possible.
“Unfortunately, the prescribed medication caused Caelan more problems in the short term, leading his potassium levels to drop dangerously low. Our focus now is on lifestyle changes, such as a low-salt diet, to slow kidney decline. His kidney function is currently stable. However, he is experiencing fatigue and anxiety about his future.
“Caelan is obsessed with football and plays every weekend. Unfortunately, he cannot run as much as he used to because of a lack of energy caused by his condition. He’s a typical lad who enjoys playing with friends, so his confidence has been affected by that and missing so much school to be in and out of hospital.
“Seeing the impact of Dent’s disease on his uncles has had a mental effect on him. They’ve both struggled a lot from the toll of needing dialysis and transplants. I’m just hoping kidney disease doesn’t affect Caelan in the same way as he gets older. If he does need a transplant, both me and my husband will try to donate a kidney.
“Being a carrier of Dent’s disease means I have not developed the condition. However, it has still had a huge impact on my life. Not only am I caring for Caelan, but it has also affected our plans to have more children in the future. We’re currently going through genetic IVF to try and ensure that we can prevent the gene being passed on again.”
Peterborough March March
Caelan will walk five miles with his mum, dad and friends on Saturday 28 March for this year’s Peterborough March March. It will be the second time participating for the family, having joined the event in 2025.
Sammy says: “We loved joining the Peterborough March March last year. It was lovely being together and seeing everyone else who was taking part. It was good to be outside exercising with our friends and coming together for a good cause. I think it made Caelan feel a little bit special that day.
“He has been really dedicated to raising money for Kidney Research UK, even holding a non-uniform day at school and making a poster about kidney disease which helped raise more that £900.
“It can be hard to think about Caelan’s future, so we try to focus on what we can do today to slow the decline of his kidneys and support research that can make a difference in the future.”
Caelan says: “Raising money through my school was fun and it was nice that lots of people got together to support me. I really enjoyed doing the walk with my friends and family last year so I can’t wait to do it again!”
Join people like Caelan at the Peterborough March March
Our life-saving research is only possible with your support.