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Ainsley Bowker

Red Socks Challenge 2026

Help me reach my goal of $2,000

My Activity Tracking

62
kms

My target 60 kms

Ainsley's Red Socks Challenge for Kidney Health

This year, the Red Socks Challenge is especially personal to me.

After my kidneys failed, I spent 6 months on dialysis, connected to a machine for five hours at a time 3 times a week while waiting for the chance of a better future. In July, that chance arrived when I received a life-changing live donor kidney transplant from my incredible wife, Sam.

The journey hasn’t always been straightforward, including a rejection episode after my transplant, but thanks to an incredible medical team, my donor and the support of my family, my new kidney is doing really well and life is nearly normal again.

This October, just a few months after my transplant, I’m taking on 60km for the Red Socks Challenge. The 60km represents the approximately 60 hours every month that many Australians on dialysis spend connected to a machine. Having lived those hours myself, I know just how much they can take out of you — and now how precious the freedom from dialysis can feel.

For me, these 60km are about more than a challenge. They’re about celebrating my second chance, thanking everyone who helped get me here, and standing alongside the thousands of Australians still living with kidney disease and dialysis. Many of the people I met during dialysis were either too old or too unwell to receive a transplant, meaning dialysis would remain a part of their lives indefinitely.

If you’re able to donate, every contribution will help support Kidney Health Australia and its work towards better care and a better future for people affected by kidney disease ❤️

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$2,062

My Goal

$2,000

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My Achievements

Made a self donation First donation received Halfway to fundraising target Hit fundraising target Shared on social media Created a team Half way to KMs Reached KMs Goal Logged first fitness activity Created a Blog Post Fundraising Milestone Reward #1 Fundraising Milestone Reward #2 Fundraising Milestone Reward #3 Fundraising Milestone Reward #4 Fundraising Milestone Reward #5

My Updates

Officially over halfway there! 💪

Sunday 18th Oct

31km of my 60km Red Socks Challenge completed! A little behind schedule, but still plenty of October left to get the rest done! Even managed my fastest 5km run of the month today!

Even better, I've raised over $1,800 for Kidney Health Australia and am currently in the Top 10 fundraisers nationwide! ❤️

Honestly blown away by everyone's generosity. A massive thank you to everyone who's donated and supported me so far!

Thank you to my Sponsors

$300.41

Jonathan Horne

Go you legend!!

$300

Lauren & Adam

You guys are amazing. You have overcome a massive hurdle and you have always held your head up high.

$106.75

Jordy Young

You’re both amazing!!

$106.75

James And Michelle Wharton

👏👏👏👏👏

$104.35

A&e Bowker

$100

Laura S

Good luck with the challenge Ains!!

$100

Lee

Smash it!

$100

Steve Dunn

Good on ya mate, so sorry to hear what's happened, but so happy to see you've all got through this! Brilliant stuff, and very impressed you're doing this so soon - but take it easy!!

$100

Martin Mcallister

Omg Ainz what a nightmare. I’m glad you’re on the road back to some normality. Great challenge and hope you enjoy it! Both of us wishing you all the best of luck and health, Marty & Tori

$77.36

Paul Hentrich

Good luck pal. Glad to hear things are going well

$77.36

Lou

Go Ainz!!

$55.95

Gonçalo

Sending all my love Ains and Adam

$55.95

Sachin Pandey

All the best Ainsley. Go for it

$55.95

R & C Buckland

Amazing Ainz ❤️

$45.30

Stu Ballard

I’ll be cheering on Strava 😉

$38

Victoria Roundell

I know you got this. Love from Vic, David & Jude x

$34.40

S Bell

Go Ainz!

$28.81

Adam Downs

Great idea, and pleased you’re doing so well, but I’ll need a refund if you only do 59km though mate.

$23.81

Rich Raymont

No backing out now!

$23.81

Linda Brears

You have an incredible wife

$23.81

Liz

Wow Ainsley, I'm so sorry you’ve had such a tough time, but beyond happy to know that you’re on the other side of it. You’re both amazing! Sending loads of love to you all xxxx

$23.81

Jacqueline Bell

“Congratulations” !! You are both “Amazing” the way you have come through this journey together ❤️

$20

Hiral Patel

Sad to hear you went through this Ains. But very happy to hear you and Sam are well. Sending lots of love

$20

Ainsley Bowker

To get the ball rolling...

$20

James Clash

Great cause Ainsley,especially for kids who have to have regular dialysis.

$20

Bet Owens

Nice one Ains! And yes Sam is incredible! ❤️

$20

Amy Eynon

A great cause, glad you’re both doing well! x

$20

Claire Hentrich

Good luck Ains. Onwards and upwards from here on and well done to you xx

$20

Rob Mcmillan

$20

Sue & Alan

Well done Ainsley!

$19.83

Hayley From Hshs

Hope your journey is getting better Ainz. Hope you can make it to the reunion

Our Team