Matthew MJW Watts

Running with a Purpose — and One Kidney

I’m running the Eindhoven Half Marathon — not just for the challenge, but for the cause. I’m doing it for the millions affected by cancer, and I’m doing it with a condition of my own: a multicystic dysplastic kidney.

I’ve lived my whole life knowing that one of my kidneys doesn’t function. It’s something I don’t talk about often, but it’s a reminder every day that health is never guaranteed — and that makes this run deeply personal for me.

In the Netherlands, 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer. It’s a painful, terrifying reality — one that too many families have had to face, including people close to me. That’s why I’m lacing up my shoes, pushing through training, and running 21 kilometers: not just for myself, but for everyone fighting something far greater.

Whether it’s cancer, a chronic illness, or just a tough chapter in life — this run is for you. Every donation to KWF goes toward critical cancer research. It brings hope, it brings progress, and it brings us one step closer to a world where cancer doesn’t win.

Thank you for being part of this journey. It means the world. 💙