Porter running Manchester Marathon for Southend Renal Therapies Team

On Sunday 19 April, Tony Smith, a long‑standing Postal Porter at Southend Hospital, will lace up his running shoes for the Manchester Marathon, raising vital funds for Southend Hospital’s Renal Home Therapies Team. Supported by the North Thames Side Ladies Auxiliary (NTLA), Tony is running to help advance the development of a new training and support suite for dialysis patients.

Home dialysis can be life‑changing for suitable renal patients, offering greater independence, flexibility and control over their treatment. Instead of spending hours each week travelling to and from hospital, patients can dialyse in the comfort of their own homes, fitting treatment around their work, family life and personal needs.

Sixty-two-year-old Tony is no stranger to taking on a marathon, having already completed several London and Manchester marathons already. He said: “I am raising funds to ensure more patients have access to the equipment, training and emotional support needed to dialyse at home. I want to help turn a life‑restricting diagnosis into a life‑empowering reality. With the support of the North Thames Side Auxiliary behind me, I am ready for the challenge.”

NTLA President Charley Horne and Chairlady Patsy Dumsday added: “Our community’s support and donations will make a valuable difference to the lives of patients and staff at our hospitals. We are proud to support the work of Southend Hospital, helping enhance services above and beyond what the NHS alone can provide.”

Every donation, big or small, helps patients find freedom through home care – supporting the work of Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity and the renal teams dedicated to transforming lives, to support Tony, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/samantha-macdonald-1