Over 5,000 people in Ireland are currently living with end-stage kidney disease, including more than 2,300 people who are receiving dialysis treatment, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has said.

It is highlighting the figures and the importance of early detection of kidney disease as part of World Kidney Day (March 11).

With kidney disease, the kidneys cannot function normally. They lose the majority of their ability to filter and as a result, fluid and waste accumulates in the body.

Chronic kidney disease usually develops slowly and the rate of deterioration can range from a few months to over 10 years. Treatment can help relieve symptoms and halt progression of the disease. However, with end-stage kidney disease, kidney damage is irreversible. At this stage, the person will need dialysis or a transplant to stay alive.

Almost 2,700 people in Ireland have received kidney transplants.

Cian Carthy Heffernan's father, Peter Heffernan, underwent a kidney transplant 10 years ago. To mark the 10th anniversary of the transplant and World Kidney Day, he completed a '4x4x48 Challenge' in his native Skerries, Dublin.

Based on a US Navy Seal's challenge, this involves completing a four-mile run every four hours - clocking up a total of 48 miles over 48 hours. However, Cian (24) decided to go one step further. He added an additional physical activity before and after some of his four-mile runs, which included dips in the cold sea and push-ups.

Peter joined his son for a 200-metre swim in the sea after one of the four-mile runs and Cian finished his 48-hour challenge at North Beach, Skerries, on March 11.

"I was only 10 or 11 years old when my father started to become unwell, but one of the ways my brother and myself felt we could help him was by setting up his home dialysis machine and ensuring that everything was safe and sterile for his daily treatment. This routine continued into my mid-teens until he finally got called for a kidney transplant 10 years ago," Cian recalls.

He said that his family is "hugely grateful" to the kidney donor and his family, and his father is now enjoying sport as a member of Transplant Team Ireland.

"My father has represented Ireland in swimming events, where he has won medals at each World and European Transplant sports event that he has taken part in since then. Over the years, I have seen my father enjoy the camaraderie and support of members of the transplant team who have all faced their own organ failure battles and are now enjoying their gifts of life," Cian explained.

To celebrate World Kidney Day, the IKA has joined forces with the Irish Nephrology Society and Walking Ireland to encourage kidney patients and their loved ones to begin their own challenge - a ‘21 Day Walking Challenge'. This will finish up during Organ Donor Awareness Week (March 27-April 3).

"I would encourage people to take up the IKA's 21 Day Walking Challenge. No matter how big or small the challenge is, and once you are setting a realistic goal based on your personal ability, I can guarantee it will bring a positive outcome, improving both your physical and mental wellness," Cian said.

Cian's 4x4x48 Challenge is also a fundraiser for the IKA and contributions can be made here.

The public can also support the work of the IKA by texting KIDNEY to 50300 to donate €4 (the charity will receive a minimum of €3.60), or by clicking here.

Organ Donor Cards can be obtained by phoning IKA on (01) 620 5306, texting the word DONOR to 50050 or clicking here.

*Pictured is Cian and his father, Peter.