Natalie Nicholls

My Activity Tracking

152
kms

My target 240 kms

Why I'm Running In Red Socks

In September 2016, my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)—a rare and chronic kidney disease. Those three words—“You have kidney disease”—hit like a tidal wave. The tears came first, then the fear, and finally, a reluctant acceptance of a future I never planned for.

Eight months later, I sat in a doctor’s office and heard something even more life-altering:

“If you want children, it’s now or never.”

I walked out feeling broken, confused, and overwhelmed by decisions no one should have to make so young. But life doesn’t wait—and neither did I.

By 2018 and 2019, my world was forever changed again—this time in the best way. I became a mum to two beautiful miracles: Layla and Ollie. They gave me a reason to fight harder and live more intentionally. Motherhood didn’t just give me purpose—it gave me perspective.

Fast forward to August 2025—after months of declining health, hard conversations, and emergency hospital visits, I had a peritoneal dialysis catheter inserted and began my new reality: daily dialysis. A routine I never imagined, but one I face with determination.

Why I’m Running

This October, I’m proudly taking part in the Red Socks Run—not just for me, but for every renal unit, every patient, and every family impacted by kidney disease.

I’m showing up to honour those who spend 60 hours a month on dialysis.

I’m moving towards a future without dialysis.

There are over 15,000 Australians currently on dialysis—and that number is rising. We need urgent action to slow its progression and, ultimately, stop it.

Every dollar raised, every kilometre logged, every step we take brings us closer to a future without dialysis.

Join me.

Move for them. Move for change.

Please donate to support a better future for people living with kidney disease.

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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

Pushing Boundaries at the Moreton Bay Triathlon Fun Run

Sunday 28th Sep

This weekend, Layla and I laced up our sneakers and joined the Moreton Bay Triathlon Fun Run. On paper, it was “just” a 10km run. But for us, it became so much more — a reminder of resilience, community, and the power of purpose.

We set out with the goal of completing the full 10km, but my body had other plans. Living with kidney disease means I’m constantly learning how to balance ambition with listening to my limits. At the 5km mark, I knew I had reached my edge. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I chose to see it as a victory — because sometimes the real win is simply showing up, pushing boundaries, and being brave enough to stop when your body says “enough.”

But this fun run wasn’t only about personal milestones. It was about something far bigger: raising awareness for organ and tissue donation.

Our transplant community came together in full force, not just to run, but to stand as living proof of the impact that organ and tissue donation has. Every step we took was a step in honor of the donors and families who’ve given the ultimate gift of life, and for those still waiting for their second chance.

For me, combining my personal health journey with causes like this brings everything into perspective. It reminds me why I share my story, why I push forward even on the hard days, and why I’ll never stop advocating for kidney disease awareness and organ donation.

Crossing that 5km line with Layla by my side wasn’t about finishing last or not making it to 10km. It was about honoring progress, celebrating community, and being part of something much bigger than myself.

Because sometimes, the real finish line is measured not in kilometers, but in courage, community, and the lives we touch along the way.

Love, Support, and the People Who Carry You Through

Saturday 27th Sep

Chronic illness isn’t just a physical journey — it’s an emotional one. And no one should have to walk it alone.
From the moment I was diagnosed, through every twist and turn since, one constant has kept me grounded: my family. And at the center of it all has been my husband — my rock.
He’s seen me at my weakest, held me through the tears, and celebrated the smallest wins like they were Olympic medals. He’s researched kidney disease at 2am, learned how to help with dialysis at home, and reminded me — every single day — that I am more than my diagnosis.
Our kids, Layla and Ollie, may not fully understand what "kidney disease" means, but their joy, their laughter, and their unconditional love have been healing in their own way. They’ve given me reasons to keep going when I felt like giving up.
People often say, “You’re so strong,” and while I appreciate that, I always think — my strength doesn’t come from me alone. It comes from the people who show up. The ones who don’t flinch when things get messy. The ones who say, “We’ll figure this out — together.”
Kidney disease tried to break me — but love built me back.
To anyone walking a similar path: let the people who love you help carry the load. Let them be your light when everything feels dark. And if you don’t have that support right now, please know that you're not alone — there’s a community out here that understands.
This journey is hard. But together, we’re stronger.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$158.25

Kia Porter

$70