Damien Stretton's father, Brian, suffered complete organ failure and only his transplanted kidney functions.
Now Damien, 30, originally from Kinmel Bay, will complete the Great North Run in October to raise money for Kidney Research and the renal unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital. Last year he ran with a 16kg rucksack on his back and this year he has increased the load to 20kg.
Damien, who works at EveryBodyz Fitness in Rhyl said: "Since I can remember my father has suffered from kidney disease, which culminated in him having a kidney transplant some years ago, without this he would not be enjoying all our family moments together. After completing my arduous task last year I vowed never again. Unfortunately through current events I will be getting involved again."
Damien's father, Brian was taken to hospital seven weeks ago and within 24 hours his body began to fail. He was put into an induced coma but has come through and is on the road to recovery.
Damien said the past seven weeks had been a "nightmare" for his family.
He said: "You never know what you have until you 've lost it is very poignant at this moment and was even more so some seven weeks ago. It was only then that you realise the position you are in speaking to a person who is solely supported by machines. Unfortunately the news became worse, he was slipping deeper and deeper into illness with all of his major organs now going into failure. We were asked at the point to begin contemplating allowing my father to 'pass away peacefully'. This was the lowest point of my life being in control of someone who is powerless to an illness, not seeing them again and never saying goodbye."
Brian overcame the illness and is on his way to recovery.