Tim Blackburn, 60, thought he just had a bug – being constantly tired and vomiting – while trying to enjoy the Christmas period with his family three years ago
A man has shared how a suspected stomach bug turned out to be kidney failure caused by blood cancer. Tim Blackburn, 60, believed he was just suffering from a nasty bug – constantly feeling tired and being sick – while trying to enjoy the festive period with his family three years ago.
However, when his symptoms didn’t let up, his family urged him to go to A&E – where he was given the news that he was seriously ill. Medics said Tim was battling kidney failure, which further tests showed had been triggered by myeloma – a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow.
Tim, from Somerset, then faced a tough battle with chemotherapy to combat the disease and also underwent a stem cell transplant, which he admitted “seriously affected” his life. His cancer is now in remission, but he still requires weekly dialysis as he waits for a kidney transplant.
In a bid to raise funds for Kidney Research UK, Tim recently completed a ‘Tour de Kidney’ – a gruelling 200-mile cycle across Somerset and Devon, visiting dialysis centres along the way. He’s already managed to raise more than £6,000.
Tim said: “Being unwell does make you appreciate what you’ve got, and you have to enjoy the things you are able to do. The experience was tough and tiring, but also very satisfying.
“I have been cycling for the past 15 years and with all the treatment, not being able to get on my bike has been hard. I challenged myself to get on the bike following the treatment and, after completing that, my wife said I should come up with another and that’s where the Tour de Kidney came from.”
Tim initially became unwell in December 2022, experiencing exhaustion and struggling to keep food down. He assumed it was merely a stomach bug, but after battling through Christmas, his relatives convinced him to seek medical attention.
Tim visited Musgrove Park Hospital in January 2023 where medics “quickly” diagnosed kidney failure. He was subsequently moved to Exeter Hospital, where they uncovered that the failure had been triggered by cancer.
Tim said: “I felt like I was in a constant hangover – I only went to the hospital because my family persuaded me to. Things escalated rapidly when I was seen to.
“I found out I had kidney failure and was transferred from Musgrove Park Hospital to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for urgent dialysis treatment. Further investigation revealed the underlying cause was myeloma – a type of blood cancer formed in the bone marrow – that was a massive shock.
“I needed nine months of chemotherapy and underwent a stem cell transplant, which seriously affected my life. It was a gruelling treatment which caused me to lose weight, strength, stamina and my hair – I could barely walk across the room.”
During that period, he also underwent regular dialysis sessions. Tim explained: “To begin with, I’d have severe headaches and nausea, often spending evenings after dialysis throwing up, before sleeping for 12 hours.”
Tim was informed his cancer had gone into remission in October 2023, though he maintains he still requires monthly check-ups to monitor whether it has returned.
He said: “Thankfully, I’m currently in remission from cancer, but I still need monthly tests to monitor that it has not returned. I have only been put on the kidney waiting list now I have been in remission for over a year.
“I still need dialysis three times a week, for four hours each session. That has had a huge impact on my life. In the past year my body has tolerated treatment better, but I still feel very tired.”
Tim’s love for cycling started 15 years ago and he quickly joined a group of mates who regularly cycle together.
He said: “I’ve always played sport and cycling has become my main pastime to enjoy with friends. We’ve been on lots of cycling trips and adventures.
“During my first year of treatment, I really missed being able to go out on a bike with my mates. After my stem cell transplant, I had to slowly build myself up just to walk around the neighbourhood.
“I felt like I’d never be strong enough to ride again with my cycling group. I realised I was really missing the social aspect and decided to purchase an electric bike to help me keep up.”
Tim embarked on his cycling challenge on 18 August, wrapping it up on August 25. His initial fundraising target was £2,040 – a symbolic figure representing £5 for each of the 408 dialysis sessions he’s undergone since January 2023. However, he has since tripled this target, raising an impressive £6,205.
Tim said: “I had a great time and felt a huge feeling of satisfaction in what we’ve achieved. The staff at the dialysis clinics were all wonderful, giving me a cheer when I arrived and set back off again. It was hard work, there were a lot of hills to cycle up, but it was very rewarding.”
Donations can still be made towards Tim’s challenge.