Three generations of family members to take part in sponsored walk for Kidney Research UK (From Harrow Times)

Three generations of family members to take part in sponsored walk for Kidney Research UK

4:40pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in News By Anna Slater

Bhavin Vaghela with wife Minal, father Velji, brother-in-law Mario and son Kai

An eight-year-old boy has inspired three generations of his family to take part in a sponsored walk for a kidney charity, in honour of his grandmother who had a transplant.

Kai Vaghela, of Elm Drive, North Harrow, will be walking seven miles across some of London’s most iconic bridge in a national walk to raise money for Kidney Research UK.

His grandmother, Premila Varsini, had a kidney transplant 30 years ago when she was 30 years old.

Kai’s mother, Minal, was only ten years old when it happened and said the experience was “devastating”.

She said: “It was a terrifying time for me, but seeing how my mother toughed up after her operation was a huge inspiration. I’m so proud of how far she has come.

“I’m always trying to do charity events for various causes, so I am looking forward to doing this walk with the whole family because it’s very close to our hearts.”

The 39-year-old said Kai piped up and asked if he could do a sponsored charity event to honour his grandmother, who at 60, is now “thriving”.

Kai, who goes to Longfield Junior School, in Dukes Avenue, North Harrow, will be joined by his mother, his father, Bhavin, 37, his grandfather, Velji Varsini, 60, and his uncle, Mario. The group has named itself The Kai Team.

The family’s initial target was £1,000, but now with £1,800 the team is well on the way to doubling the goal.

Mr Vaghela, a travel agent, said: “It’s fantastic we’ve raised so much money, and we are really confident that we can still get more.

“It’s so inspiring that my son inspired three generations of us to take part. After everything my mother-in-law has been through, this is a nice way to give back and raise money for others too.”

The walk starts from Potters Fields Park, in Potters Fields, close to Tower Bridge, and makes its way west along the Thames, crossing eight of London’s iconic bridges before returning to Potters Fields.

It will start at 10am on Sunday, July 8, and is open to anyone, with a registration fee of £10 for adults, £4 for children under the age of 16 and a free t-shirt for every walker.

For more information about London Bridges Walk, please visit www.kidneyresearchuk.org/londonbridgeswalk or call: 0845 612 1226.