The National Kidney Federation (NKF) is calling on fundraisers to kick a bad habit, or kick-start a positive new one, to help fund a national helpline for kidney patients and their families.
The NKF’s autumn fundraising appeal, Kick a Habit for Kidney Disease, officially launches of 1 October 2026 and invites supporters to take on a 31-day challenge to raise money for its Patient Helpline and Information Service.
Whether it’s giving up chocolate, takeaways, online shopping or doomscrolling, or kick-starting a healthier hobby by walking, learning a new skill or carrying out a daily act of kindness, every challenge will help ensure people affected by kidney disease have somewhere to turn when they need support the most.
Richard Yates, 57, and his 21-year-old son Harry, from Dewsbury, have pledged their support after Richard was recently diagnosed with stage three chronic kidney disease. The pair will be kick-starting a daily habit of walking or running in preparation for their participation in Tough Mudder in July 2027.
Richard said: “This October, my son and I are taking on the NKF’s Kick a Habit for Kidney Disease challenge to help us lose weight, get fit and work towards Tough Mudder next year. I’ve recently been diagnosed with CKD and as a family, we’re all making healthier choices about what we eat and how we can move more.
“The Kick a Habit appeal is literally the kick-start I needed. We’ll do it throughout October and carry on and prepare for Tough Mudder. Staying motivated to get out of bed on the dark Autumn mornings will be hard, but we’re determined to spur each other on.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenges ahead and hope we can inspire more people to join us. Kick a Habit is a great challenge because you get to choose something meaningful to you, while supporting kidney patients like me.”
The NKF, based at The Point in Shireoaks, Worksop, is the UK’s largest kidney patient charity, run by kidney patients for kidney patients. It provides information, support and advocates for change on behalf of people affected by kidney disease across the UK.
Funds raised through Kick a Habit for Kidney Disease will help fund the charity’s Patient Helpline and Information Service, which costs £100,000 a year to run. The service offers information, printed resources endorsed by nephrologists and emotional support for thousands of kidney patients and their families each year. It has already supported more than 1,600 people this year.
How to take part in Kick a Habit for Kidney Disease:
Taking part is free and couldn’t be easier:
- Choose one habit to kick, or one positive habit to kick-start.
- Register for free at https://www.kidney.org.uk/sign-up
- Set up a JustGiving fundraising page
- Ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor your challenge, or donate what you would have spent on your ‘habit.’
- Complete your 31-day challenge throughout October and share your progress with us.
Pete Revell, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at the NKF, said: “People living with chronic kidney disease make sacrifices every single day. Many give up their favourite foods, holidays, careers, hobbies and precious time with family and friends, while those on dialysis often plan their lives around hours of treatment each week. Even a successful kidney transplant isn’t a cure.
“Kick a Habit for Kidney Disease is about choosing a challenge that’s meaningful and unique to you while making a real difference to someone else. Every pound raised will help us continue providing trusted information, practical advice and emotional peer support to kidney patients and their families across the UK.
“You could kick a habit, or kick-start one, in honour of a loved one or to support someone you know dealing with the complexities of chronic kidney disease. Your challenge could even celebrate a transplant anniversary or the new lease of life a transplant has given you.
“We can’t wait to hear your challenge ideas!”
For more information about Kick a Habit for Kidney Disease, or inspiration for your fundraising challenge, visit www.kidney.org.uk/kick-a-habit. Alternatively, contact fundraiser Suzanne Rutter on 01909 544999 or email Suzanne@kidney.org.uk.
Posted on 02 October 2026
