Jordan Loydall, 27, from Newport, South Wales, has spoken about how his kidney cancer diagnosis at 26 led to an unexpected career change and a fundraising challenge. He ran 101 kilometres in March 2026, raising over £1,600 for Kidney Cancer UK, less than two years after being diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer.
Jordan told the charity: “If my story helps even one person trust their instincts, seek medical advice, or feel less alone after a diagnosis, then it’s worth telling.”
Diagnosis after MRI scan
In 2024, Jordan had been dismissing his early symptoms as side effects of having two bulging discs in his spine. The then-26-year-old went for an MRI, where one out of 53 images showed a lump on his kidney. Despite reassurances from doctors that cancer was unlikely, he received his diagnosis that December.
He recalled: “My parents and my now fiancé were in the room with me when the doctor told us the news. I’ve always been someone who worries about the people around me, so my first thoughts weren’t really about myself; they were about how my family would cope with hearing that I had cancer.”
Recovery and a new perspective
Jordan had the cancerous part of his kidney removed in February 2025. While the operation was successful, the recovery changed his life in unexpected ways. He shared: “I suddenly lost a lot of my independence. I needed help with things that I normally would have done myself, like getting out of bed or up and down the stairs, and it made me feel completely useless. At times, I felt like I was a burden on the people looking after me, even though in reality, I wasn’t. My family and friends were incredibly supportive, but accepting help was something I had to learn.”
His recovery meant time away from work on a graduate scheme at a telecoms company. The shock of his situation, combined with space away from work, gave him a new perspective as he realised how unhappy he was. Growing up in a family of tradespeople, he decided to pursue a Health & Safety qualification. Today, he works in local government as a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Officer, supporting primary schools.
He said: “I’m now in a job I absolutely love. Sometimes, life events that feel devastating at the time can also open doors you never expected.”
Fundraising for Kidney Cancer UK
With psychological support, Jordan realised he had spent so much time worrying about others that he hadn’t processed his own emotions about his diagnosis. Now on the other side of his recovery and career changes, he has turned his attention to philanthropic ventures. In March 2026, he finished what he described as the hardest, but most rewarding, challenge of his life: running 101 kilometres throughout the month and raising £1,645 for Kidney Cancer UK.
He said: “As I learned more about the charity and the incredible support they provide to people affected by kidney cancer, I became passionate about helping to raise awareness of the disease and supporting their important work. If my story helps even one person trust their instincts, seek medical advice, or feel less alone after a diagnosis, then it’s worth telling.”
