A KIDDERMINSTER man has been inspired to support a national charity after the wife of his close friend was diagnosed with a long-term health condition.

Iain Partridge, 44, of Birchen Coppice, has organised the Picnic On The Pitch event, which will take place on Sunday, September 28 at 2pm at Dudley Kingswinford Rugby Club, to fundraise for Kidney Research UK.

His friend Chris O’Sullivan, whose wife has stage three chronic kidney disease, is completing a sponsored 1,500 mile motorbike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats via St David’s and Lowestoft for the charity and the picnic will welcome the riders home.

Mr Partridge said: “I hope to raise more than £500 through the family fun day as well as help raise awareness.

“It’s not going to be easy but I’m really determined and it’s great to know the research I’m helping to fund will benefit millions of people in the UK affected by kidney disease.”

Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Iain and Chris for lending their support to Kidney Research UK in this way.

“Kidney disease can affect anyone at any age and without warning. It can’t currently be cured and is responsible for thousands of deaths every year – many of which could be prevented with better diagnosis and improved treatments.

“Please get behind Iain and Chris and help us fund research to save lives.”

Members of the public are invited to attend the fun day or donate at justgiving.com/Chris-O-sullivan3