Celebrating the “Ten Years with a Transplant” Raceday at Newbury

There is a personal story behind the sponsor of the main race at Newbury tomorrow, the Radley Stakes. Henry Kimbell, who grew up just a matter of miles from Newbury, has kindly stepped up to support today’s feature, significant for professional and personal reasons.

He explains: “I have been lifelong racing fan and was fortunate enough to spend many happy days from the age of six at Newbury watching and attending many race meetings. In January this year, I celebrated the ten-year anniversary of my kidney transplant. Kidney disease is sadly something I have had since birth, however my transplant has certainly given me a new lease of life with much more energy to go about day-to-day activities.

“It’s important to raise awareness to those that don’t know much about transplantation. Sadly an organ transplant won’t last indefinitely – approximately ten years depending on the strength of your match to the donor – and so each year that passes by is another important milestone without dialysis for me.

“Kidney disease affects three million people in the UK – approximately one in twenty. That is quite stark – furthermore treatments can be grueling and currently there is no cure.”

The Galloping To Give part relates to Henry’s new business, which he established last autumn having spied a gap in the market.

“I established Galloping To Give last year. Our raison d’être is to provide winning horse racing experiences for charities and companies through our connections within the sport,” said Henry.

“One of my big messages is to utilise the day’s publicity to raise awareness of health concerns amongst my generation and to showcase how racing can be a strong vehicle to aid individuals and families when living with difficult health conditions.

That is why I am supported by Racing Together – who represent and champion British racing’s community engagement and education activity – to help push the message out further still.”

Henry was also challenged by a diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma. “I noticed a lump in my right armpit. After going to my GP and then having further tests at Addenbrookes Hospital, it transpired I had Hodgkin Lymphoma, which affects around 2000 people each year.

Within a week of my diagnosis, I found myself on a six-month course of chemotherapy. Thankfully now I am clear and the outlook is positive but just think if I hadn’t acted on those small and almost insignificant symptoms?”

Henry will be fundraising for two causes on the day connected to two hospitals where he has received his treatments, with further fundraising events planned into 2022. These are the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust and the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation.

Lucy Gurney, Community Engagement Manager for Racing Together said: “We are delighted to be supporting and promoting Henry’s sponsorship at Newbury. Both his personal and business ventures align with Racing Together’s mission, which is to support and showcase the sport of horseracing as a force for good in society. Please do support his fundraising efforts if you can.”

If you would like to make a donation please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/tenyearswithatransplant

Learn more about Galloping to Give via our Directory here.