THE family of a much-loved kidney health campaigner from Redditch will take on the TCS London Marathon this Sunday in his memory, raising funds to continue the work he dedicated his life to.
Mandy and Ant McGreevy are running for Kidney Research UK in honour of Mandy’s dad, Sam Kang, who died in January aged 66 after a 26-year battle with kidney disease.
Sam was a passionate volunteer with the charity, working alongside his wife Pam to raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation, particularly within South Asian communities.
Mandy said: “Supporting Kidney Research UK was one of the most important things in Dad’s life. It’s incredibly sad that he won’t be there to watch us complete it.
“We’ll be running in his memory, keeping his legacy alive. It will be emotional and there will be tears. I just hope we’ll do him proud.”
Sam was first diagnosed with kidney failure in 2000 and spent 12 years on dialysis before receiving a transplant.
Pam had wanted to give him her kidney but wasn’t a match so they joined the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme, and she was able to donate to a stranger whose loved one donated their kidney to Sam in turn.
Sam’s donated kidney lasted 13 years before sadly failing in 2025.
Mandy added: “Dad was so strong-willed and fought kidney disease so bravely over so many years. However, it really did take its toll in the months before he passed away. When he went into hospital with another infection in January, we just assumed he would be home again soon.
“It was a complete shock when we received the phone call to say he had passed away. It is hard to accept that he is gone.”
Alongside his own treatment, Sam dedicated years to helping others understand kidney disease and encouraging organ donation. Together with Pam, he became a peer educator volunteer for Kidney Research UK, sharing his experiences especially with South Asian communities.
Pam said: “Sam was very happy to volunteer. He didn’t want anyone else to have to go through what he had. We encouraged many people to become organ donors, which was amazing. I will continue volunteering in Sam’s memory and he will always be with me.”
People from South Asian communities often face longer waiting times for kidney transplants due to a shortage of donors from minority ethnic groups – something Sam was determined to change.
Now, his family are continuing that mission, with his daughter and son-in-law raising vital funds for Kidney Research UK at the London Marathon.
Mandy said: “This is a huge challenge for me and Ant. We’ve never taken on something as big as this. Every time I’m having a difficult training run, I hear Dad’s voice in my head pushing me on. Thinking of him will keep us going on the day.”
Pam will be among those cheering them on. She said: “Sam was very proud that they were taking part and he’ll be in our hearts. It’s a great way to raise more awareness about kidney disease in his honour and every penny matters.”
Visit 2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/mandy-mcgreevy to donate.
