A BOLTON store manager whose brother-in-law is waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant has called for more research into his condition.

Lisa Ryan, manager of Beaverbrooks The Jewellers at Crompton Place, is hoping to collect hundreds of pounds of sponsorship money for kidney research but also to raise awareness of the condition that is threatening the life of her sister’s husband, Bob Devlin.

The 60-year-old has been in and out of hospital over the last 13 years but is now having dialysis every other day while on the waiting list for a kidney transplant – the only thing that might lead to his recovery.

Mrs Ryan, aged 48, said: “I’m going to do the Beaverbrooks 10k Fun Run in Blackpool with two of my sisters, Liz and Jacqueline, and we’re all raising money for Kidneys For Life as it’s a charity that has helped and supported Jackie a lot during Bob’s illness.

“They are such an unknown cause that we want to raise some money for them but also give them some publicity as they do such great work.”

Any money she raises in sponsorship will be doubled by Beaverbooks, the company she has worked with for 31 years — including the last seven at Crompton Place.

Kidneys For Life raises money for The Manchester Institute of Nephrology and Transplantation (MINT), the renal medicine and transplantation, research and development arm within the Manchester Royal Infirmary, to support their pioneering work.

Mrs Ryan added: “They fund a lot of research into kidney disease but also the facilities and support services for patients at Manchester Royal Infirmary where Bob is being treated.”

The three sisters are from a family of 11 and hope their 84-year-old mum Ethel will be cheering for them on the day as Liz Bunn, aged 61, 56-year-old Jackie Devlin and Mrs Ryan all put their best feet forward on May 11.

Mrs Devlin said: “My husband was diagnosed with renal failure after a routine test at work showed he had too much protein in his system.

“He was 50 then and pretty fit so it was a big shock but we managed to carry on for several years. It has gradually got worse though and now he has to have dialysis at home every other day for six hours so it has become our way of life.

“I don’t think people realise how much it affects the family but it is totally life-changing. We just try and keep things as normal as possible and stay positive.”

Manager of Crompton Place Paula Wood said: “Lisa is a great example of the dedicated and warm-hearted individuals we are lucky enough to have here in the centre and we wish her all the best with her run.

“I am sure our shoppers will get behind her and help raise money for this very worthy local charity.”

Anyone hoping to sponsor the sisters for their 10k run can call in to Beaverbrooks at Crompton Place where Lisa has a form ready.

For more information about Crompton Place go to www.crompton-place.co.uk or visit the centre’s Facebook page or Twitter account @CromptonPlace.