Did you catch the World Kidney Day buzz? Kidney patients, their families and friends, and health professionals pulled out the stops on 8 March to put the spotlight on kidney disease.
Kidney Research UK’s campaign highlighting the achievements and daily struggles of women with kidney disease saw #mykidneyheroine nominations all over social media. Popular charity mascot Beanie surprised Gladies Mathew, a renal nurse at Peterborough Hospital, with flowers to acknowledge the hard work of all renal nurses everywhere. Radio stations and the press got into the kidney vibe, sharing stories about the latest research and organ donation. Meanwhile, supporters and volunteers up and down the country ran awareness and fundraising events, spreading the word about kidney disease.
World Kidney Day 2018, Peterborough hospital renal nurses with Beanie
The charity was also excited to be able to support a one-day event on pregnancy and kidney disease. The event was aimed at families contemplating pregnancy and to update practitioners (obstetricians, midwives, nurses and nephrologists) involved in their care. Free for patients and their families to attend, it took place at the Royal College of Physicians in London.
Communications manager at Kidney Research UK Rosie Loft said: “The noise on World Kidney Day is always exhilarating, we all play our part in raising awareness of kidney disease. We are so grateful to all the people who donated, fundraised, shared their stories, sat in front of the radio mike, ran information stands, and spread the word. Together, our voice is stronger.”