Riverina man John Clout knows the challenges that come from kidney disease but says he was one of the lucky ones.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Clout said he couldn’t believe his diagnoses in 2008 but he was fortunate to receive a transplant from his wife the following year.
The 60-year-old praised fellow residents and local businesses for their support in helping others undergoing the same treatment.
It comes Mr Clout’s Kidney Kar Rally team received more than $9000 from a Celebrity Sportsmen’s Night, hosted by the William Farrer Hotel in May.
“It’s unbelievable,” Mr Clout said.
“It’s amazing how a $20 donation may not seem like much to someone but then it all just adds up.”
Ever since his treatment, Mr Clout said he rallied behind the children who were still undergoing dialysis and worked to help prevent further spread of the disease that almost claimed his life.
“I was lucky,” he said. “I had to undergo dialysis for two weeks but some of these kids go through it three times a week for five-hours a day.”
I had to undergo dialysis for two weeks but some of these kids go through it three times a week for five-hours a day.
- John Clout
The Riverina man will join fellow South Wagga Rotarians and his navigators, Kerry Flinn and Brian Roy, for the 29th Kidney Kar Rally in August.
Team XPLANT will journey from Griffith to Wagga via Tibooburra on a week-long, 4000 kilometre, raising money for “Kidney Kids”.
Mr Flinn joined Mr Clout last year and the pair raised more than $22,000, which contributed to the event’s total of more than $550,000.
Money donated to the cause has helped fund a national camp for children affected by kidney disease, giving them and their families “much needed reprieve”.
Actively involved in the charity since 2010, Mr Clout said the rally was wonderful but not as much as the smiles on the faces of children undergoing treatment.
“It’s a pleasure seeing some people receive something they wouldn’t usually get,” Mr Clout said. “It puts a smile on their faces.”
He said the kids were able to participate in a fun-filled camp for a whole week.
Mr Roy, rallying for the second time, said it was just a good feeling to be involved.
Mr Flinn said it gave kids a chance to have a good time.
Visit https://kkr2017.everydayhero.com/au/xplant to donate.
