Liverpool University Royal Naval Unit choose Kidney Research UK as their charity of the year

18 March 2021

Students at the Liverpool University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) are looking forward to lockdown restrictions lifting so they can organise a host of fun-packed activities to fundraise for Kidney Research UK.

Students chose us as their charity of the year for 2021 after learning that kidney disease can strike anybody at any age and hearing how research can improve life for those suffering.

Liverpool Royal Naval Unit students on World Kidney Day

Marc Shaw, head of community and events at Kidney Research UK said: “We are really grateful to these amazing young people from the Liverpool Royal Naval Unit.

“Through their dedication to helping kidney disease patients they are setting a fantastic example. We can’t wait to see some of their fundraising events as the year progresses.”

Spurred into action

The students were spurred into action after learning that around three million people each year in the UK are affected by kidney disease, but one million don’t even know.

Ben York, senior midshipman, said: “Kidney disease steals so much from so many people. We are very keen to be involved with a charity that is tirelessly working to make a difference.”

Ailish Williams, deputy senior midshipman, added: “As a unit, we want to be able to raise awareness for kidney disease as it can affect anyone at any time. We would like to use this opportunity to fundraise and to help increase the understanding of the risk factors and encourage a healthy lifestyle within the unit.”

Looking forward to fundraising

Eloise Burgess, the naval unit’s charity representative, said: “Kidney Research UK is a fantastic charity that carries out life changing work.

"We are looking forward to getting out and fundraising once Covid restrictions end."

Zara Ferguson, midshipman, added: “Twenty people develop kidney disease every day in the UK.

"We want to work as hard as we can to reduce this impact. One of the Royal Navy core values is commitment, and Liverpool URNU are committed to help in any way we can.”