Laurens skydive for Nephrotic Syndrome at Langar

An eight-year-old Kirkby girl suffering from a little-known kidney condition is set to benefit from a sponsored bike ride and skydive.

Lauren Munks was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome last year and now her family and friends have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the illness.

Lauren's mum Clare Munks said: "At first we were told that it was hayfever but the tablets did not work.

"I took her back to the doctors and she was referred to the hospital where they diagnosed Nephrotic Syndrome.

"I had never heard of this condition before and no-one I spoke to had, but it means her protein levels are low.

"Her eyes swelled initially but after a few days, her abdomen and ankles were also swollen."

Now Clare's partner Mike Fuller is gearing up for a 50-mile bike ride followed by a skydive with his friend Neil Beaver to raise awareness of he condition.

The pair, who both live in Kirkby, will begin in the town on 28th August before riding to Langar Airfield near Nottingham, via Sutton and Mansfield, where they will then complete their challenge by jumping out of an aeroplane.

Clare added: "She seems fine. You would not know to look at her and it does not make her really poorly, but when she is tired, she is not herself."

"She is still on the steroids — she was due to come off them earlier this year but she had a relapse. She is now due to finish them on 9th September."