Family’s transplant journey inspires teenager to run Sheffield 10K
A teenager with a newfound love of running is preparing to tackle the Steel City's famous hills at the Sheffield 10K and inspire others to join her too.
Lotty Mottram, of Stannington, Sheffield, is participating in the iconic event on 27 September 2026 to fundraise for the National Kidney Federation (NKF) and to raise awareness about how kidney disease can affect families.
The 17-year-old’s auntie, Rachel Bennett, and grandad, Steve Cornell, have both endured multiple kidney transplants to help them continue to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Lotty is also a blood donor and on the stem cell donor register.
She said: “Kidney disease and organ donation have been part of my life for as long as I can remember because my family members have either had serious kidney health issues or have supported each other. My nana Stella donated her kidney to my grandad, who also received a kidney from an anonymous, deceased donor too. My mum Emma donated her kidney to my auntie Rachel.
“We've always appreciated the support we've received from the kidney community, including the NKF and the Sheffield Kidney Patient Association. I'm excited to raise money for a cause that means so much to my family and to help other families like ours.
“I jumped at the chance to do the Sheffield 10K. I started running recently, although I’ve always been active. I love it, especially the adrenaline rush afterwards. The endorphins make it worth it. I’m just hoping those hills along the route won’t kill me!”
Lotty and her family are also looking forward to participating in the British Transplant Games in Sheffield from August 6-9, 2026.
Lotty’s mum and auntie are competing in archery and swimming competitions with Lotty joining them for a 5K Donor Run around the Steel City.
The games are organised by Transplant Active and bring together thousands of transplant recipients, living donors and donor families from across the UK to celebrate the life-changing impact that organ and stem cell transplants can have.
The NKF, based in Shireoaks, Worksop, is the UK's largest kidney patient charity, run by kidney patients for kidney patients. It provides information, support and advocates for change on behalf of people affected by kidney disease across the UK.
Lotty, a sixth-form student at Forge Valley Sixth Form College, hopes to raise £150 at the Sheffield 10K in aid of the NKF.
You can sponsor Lotty via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lotty-mottram-1