Kidney Wales has a new patron – world famous mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins.

The Welsh star has kindly agreed to by our patron having been involved with the charity as a supporter since 2005.

The Neath-born singer, who has sold millions of albums across the world, enjoyed her first official engagement with Kidney Wales on Sunday, September 7 when she started the HSBC Cardiff 10K and 2K runs.

And she has even promised to run the race next year having enjoyed the day so much.

Katherine said: I’m very proud to be a patron of the Kidney Wales Foundation. To support a cause so close to my heart is very special to me.

I first became involved with the charity in 2005 when I met brave Zowiann Flood at the Children’s Kidney Centre in Cardiff. She was only 10 at the time and desperately needed a kidney transplant. Her bravery was such an inspiration to see and we have been friends ever since.

Kidney Wales work is vital in providing support to families and funding research and improvements to kidney care and treatment in Wales. So many lives are affected by kidney disease and dependent upon Kidney Wales help. I hope my patronage of the charity helps make a difference to these people’s lives.