Man, 27, Stunned by 5am Call to Rush to Hospital for Kidney Issues
A young man from Bolton faced a shocking diagnosis after a sore toe led to kidney failure
Bolton, UK, Kidney Disease, Gout, Marathon, Charity
Bolton: A 27-year-old named Niven Hopkins was in for a surprise when a sore toe turned out to be a sign of something much more serious. He thought he just had gout, but a 5am phone call changed everything.
After his foot swelled up last July, Niven struggled to get a doctor’s appointment. When he finally did, the doctor was shocked to see someone so young and seemingly healthy in such pain.
But then came the call that sent him into a panic. The hospital told him to get there immediately because his blood tests showed his kidneys were failing. Niven said it was a huge shock, and his girlfriend was in tears.
He spent about six days in the hospital, where doctors found out his kidneys were only working at 15 percent. They couldn’t even do a biopsy because his condition was so bad. Now, he’s on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
Niven is unsure what caused his kidney issues, even though doctors hinted it might be linked to his diet. He insists he eats healthy and doesn’t overdo it on protein.
Dieticians have advised him to cut back on certain foods and drinks, and he’s waiting for a pre-transplant assessment. He hopes to find a donor soon to avoid long dialysis sessions.
A passionate runner, Niven has completed marathons in Manchester and Barcelona. He plans to run the 2025 London Marathon for Kidney Care UK, inspired by his mother, who has had two kidney transplants.
He’s raised over £3,000 for charity while managing his symptoms, which leave him tired and in pain. Niven says he often feels fatigued but pushes through, even when he experiences kidney pain.
Despite the challenges, he remains determined and focused on his health and running goals.