New Berrima resident David Sullivan knows the importance of renal dialysis more than most people.
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The process has saved Mr Sullivan's life and given him the joy of being around for the birth of his third grandchild.
"Without dialysis, I wouldn't have seen any of them. Dialysis has kept me alive and kept me running," he said.
Mr Sullivan previously went to Liverpool and Campbelltown hospitals for the service, however the renal unit at Bowral Hospital saved him hours of travel.
He has people such as Southern Highlands Renal Appeal chairman Bob Barrett to thank for the new service.
Mr Barrett was the president of Bowral Mittagong Rotary Club when the group started to raise funds for the establishment of a unit.
The club's efforts were rewarded when the NSW government committed to the construction of a unit in Bowral in 2017.
Bowral's renal dialysis unit came too late for Sarah Edmonds' father Peter McCartney, who passed away in June.
"He had to travel from Bowral to Liverpool three times per week for five-hour sessions. Unfortunately he never got to experience dialysis in Bowral," she said.
Ms Edmonds, Mr Sullivan and Mr Barrett will be among the participants in the inaugural Big Red Kidney Walk to raise funds for Kidney Health Australia.
The organisation raises funds for services to help people living with kidney disease. Mr Barrett said he hoped the walk would bring raise awareness to the risk factors of the disease.
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"Most people don't know about the problems with kidney failure," he said.
The event will be held from 10am to 12pm on Sunday, September 8 at Lake Alexandra Reserve in Mittagong.
Early bird registration prices are available until Wednesday.
Organiser Angela Sarkis encouraged Highlanders to sign up and start fundraising for the cause.
"When I got in contact with people or even mentioned the event, everyone knew someone who has been affected," Ms Sarkis said.
"Kidney disease doesn't have the same awareness as cancer. It's something new for the Southern Highlands to think about."
In addition to the walk, there will also be a barbecue, children's activities, face painting, live music and entertainment. Dogs are welcome but they must be on a lead.
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Participants are asked to wear red or dress up in costume, with prizes available for the best outfit as well as best team name and highest fundraisers.
Early bird registrations will close on Wednesday, July 31.
Discounted prices include $29 for adults, $15 for children aged six to 16 years old and concession card holders, $60 for families and $200 for a group of 10 people.
After Wednesday, Highlanders can sign up online or at the event on the day. Registration fees will cover the cost of staging the event and participants will be given a fundraising page upon sign-up.
