A year after having a kidney transplant, a Rainham dad has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and completed a gruelling 66-mile run.

Ryan Brett, 26, was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease in 2009.

Travelling in Cyprus with his partner, Lucia Bravo, he started to feel ill and returned home, where his doctor sent him straight to hospital for tests.

He was able to have a transplant last year, after Jude Keelan, one of Mr Brett’s friends, offered him one of her kidneys.

Mr Brett, of Solomon Road, is determined to make the most of his new lease of life.

He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and took part in the Isle of Wight Challenge, a 66-mile run, to raise money for Kidney Research, raising £461.50.

He said: “I didn’t find Kilimanjaro that physically demanding, it was more the psychological side being away from Lucia and my son Beau was the hardest thing.

“When I reached the summit the feeling of relief and being on top of the world was breathtaking. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I met some great and inspirational people on the climb.”

Mr Brett completed the Isle of Wight challenge in 14 hours and 10 minutes.

He said: “The challenge was definitely physically and mentally demanding.

"I was nervous at the start having not run that distance before but I was as ready as I could be.

"The second half was a lot harder; my body just shut down, my legs and brain just sort of left my body and I was really struggling.”

Mr Brett is now looking forward to competing in the British Transplant Games in Liverpool, in July. He will represent Kent and compete in the 1,500m and 5km races.

He added: “I want to raise as much money and awareness for kidney disease as possible, to help find a cure.

"I want to show there is life after a transplant, and to grab it with both hands.”