Transform treatments

Kudz was a success story. After having dialysis for five years, he got a successful transplant. It lasted for 13 years and he followed his dream to become a university lecturer. But the transplant wasn’t for life. It failed. He’s now back at square one on dialysis. Help us make transplants last forever. Kudz wants his life back.

Lee Farrington was 21 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He managed his condition for 25 years and got on with life as best he could. But in the space of a year, since he started dialysis, Lee’s life has become totally unrecognisable. He hasn’t been able to work, which has left him struggling financially and emotionally too. Lee’s younger sister Vicky also had diabetes and was on dialysis for three and a half years before she died seven years ago at the age of 35. We urgently need to transform dialysis treatments for people like Lee.

Nikki Fretwell was 17 years old when she was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Now, the 51 year old is thought to be one of the UK’s longest surviving dialysis patients, after more than three decades receiving the treatment. “The whole transplant experience could not have gone more wrong,” she says. “The kidney never worked properly, and I was in hospital for four months until it was removed. It was horrific. I like having control, which is why I dialyse at home.” We urgently need to transform treatments for people like Nikki.

Paul is relying on a research lifeline. After four transplant rejections and 20 years on dialysis, he’s been told the chance of another transplant is slim. Unless treatments improve. Research could find a way to perform successful transplants on people like Paul. This is the kind of project we need to fund. And we need your help. Paul shouldn’t have to go through this.

Stuart lost his dad to kidney disease. He was always positive. He kept a smile through it all – kidney failure, blindness, diabetes. Stuart is honouring his inspiring dad by running the London Marathon this year. He wants the money raised to go towards improving treatments for kidney patients like his dad. You don’t have to run a marathon to help though. Help us transform treatments with a donation.

Since starting dialysis, Charlie has struggled with many aspects of the treatment and his mental health has suffered. A professional counsellor is helping make a difference and he continues to show fighting spirit. Kidney disease has taken away Charlie’s ability to be a typical teenager, meet with friends and enjoy his sports. We urgently need to transform treatments for children like Charlie and their families.