Kidney Research UK

01/09/2025

Glasgow, you were amazing. 🌟

So many stories were shared and friendships made as more than 430 members of the kidney community came together to walk along the River Clyde in support of everyone affected by kidney disease.

Thanks to your generosity and determination, over £40,000 has been raised to help fund vital research and bring us closer to ending kidney disease.

If you couldn’t make it this time, there’s still one last chance to join us. Our final Bridges event of the year takes place in Liverpool, and we’d love to see you there.

Registration is open, sign up today: https://bit.ly/3RLbQhS

Did you attend? Pop your favourite thing about the day in the comments, we’d love to hear.

31/08/2025

While parents, children, and teachers will be thinking about returning to school, Katie has had to give up her dream job as a special educational needs teacher after she was diagnosed Alport syndrome, a rare, genetic kidney disease, causing her to lose her hearing.

Katie was only five years old when she was first diagnosed, but in 2021, the condition then caused her kidneys to fail, and Katie spent two years on dialysis before receiving a transplant.

“I’d had kidney trouble since I was born, with constant water infections. I remember crying a lot because it was painful not being able to use the toilet. Losing my hearing was the biggest struggle. It affected my speech and my reading ability.

"I was the only deaf child and missed quite a lot of school being in hospital for water infections and appointments. It felt quite lonely at times, especially as a teenager.

“Teachers didn’t treat me like a ‘normal’ child and it’s so important that all children feel included. That was one of my biggest motivations in becoming a teacher myself. I wanted to provide the support I never had.”

“Unfortunately, my kidneys slowly declined from that point on. I knew dialysis and/or a transplant was inevitable.

"I was fortunate that five people came forward to be tested as live kidney donors for me. In 2023, I finally received my transplant from my gym instructor’s fiancé!

“Unfortunately, at a routine appointment in September 2024, only a year after my transplant operation, my renal consultant discovered that my kidney function had massively dropped.

“Getting that news was really hard, especially because I know the person who donated the kidney. It feels too soon for this to happen. I was not prepared for it.

“Taking immunosuppressants to protect my kidney means leaving teaching, as I am more vulnerable to illness.

“I hope researchers can eventually find a way to make it possible to have a transplant without the need for immunosuppressants. That would be incredible for me because that is what has caused me a lot of issues, including needing to leave my teaching job.”

Read Katies full story here: https://bit.ly/45RtqbF

29/08/2025

We're sorry, we just had to jump on this!

Our Kidney Kit is specifically created with kidney patients in mind. You'll find delicious recipes, tips and support from kidney patients, access to simple kidney patient exercise plans, and much more.

The best bit? It's all backed by kidney research experts!

Choose between a printed pack in the post or help us to be environmentally friendly by selecting the digital option.

Get your free kit here: https://bit.ly/3PRgVoS

28/08/2025

Supporter Iris Bruton, left a generous gift in her legacy which has funded a new research project 💜

Dr Irina Grigorieva received the Iris Bruton Award of £250,000 to look at how a type of kidney cell could promote healing and repair to improve kidney function.

Damage to the kidneys can sometimes be repaired by the body’s normal healing response. However, in other cases scar tissue replaces normal kidney tissue.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be found in various parts of the body, including the kidney.

Although these cells have important roles in healing and controlling inflammation, in some situations they are involved in damaging healthy kidney tissue.

This research hopes to identify which groups of MSCs support growth and repair, which cause scarring, and how this happens.

New treatment targets could then be identified to try and prevent MSCs forming scar tissue and instead repair damage to the kidneys in the future.

Read more on Dr Irina Grigorieva grant here: https://bit.ly/45Qzn8N

27/08/2025

Join our community and events fundraiser, Helena, to wave Tim off on his 200-mile cycle challenge.

Lots of you will remember Tim, whose story we shared last week. He is aiming to raise £2,040, which represents £5 for each of the 408 sessions of dialysis he has received since January 2023.

Tim had to continue to have dialysis throughout his challenge, booking in slots with renal units on his journey. The lovely staff have cheered Tim and the team on, which has been incredible to see.

We can confirm he totally smashed his target, and is recovering well!

Thank you to Tim, his son, and his friends for taking on this challenge. You can read Tim’s full story, and donate, here: https://bit.ly/4lueYed

26/08/2025

Today is a much-loved occasion for many of us (including our social media officer) – International Dog Day!

For so many people, dogs (and many animals) are far more than just pets. They are companions and loyal supporters through life’s ups and downs.

We’re big dog enthusiasts. Many of our team have one… or two… or more! We especially love it when our four-legged friends join in with our events, always puts a smile on our faces.

If you’re looking for a fun way to get your pooch involved, why not take part in our virtual Big Purple Dog Walk?

It’s free to enter, and you can join from anywhere. Simply team up with your dog and aim to walk 120km throughout October.

How you do it is up to you. Whether it’s lots of short strolls or a few big adventures with friends, the choice is yours.

You’ll also have the chance to join our friendly Facebook group, where you can see plenty of wagging tails and happy faces taking part.

To find out more here: https://bit.ly/3XWZ4R4

But in the meantime, enjoy all these gorgeous doggies looking pawfect in our doggie merch!

Have a photo of your own? We’d love to see it! Share it in the comments below.

24/08/2025

New grant awarded into kidney transplant research 👇

Professor Kevin Marchbank and the team will continue their previous work to test their newly developed drug which has been shown to protect the kidney in certain kidney diseases.

They will look at whether their new drug can protect the kidneys from damage during transplantation, potentially enhancing their function and lifespan.

As well as improving kidney health for transplant recipients, this could increase the availability of donor kidneys for transplant.

“I am very grateful to Kidney Research UK and their supporters who have helped keep this project alive. The previous and current funding has allowed us to progress this drug through different stages of testing without which we wouldn’t be in a position to look at getting this drug on the market and available to patients in the future.” 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/3JeEiaY

Professor Kevin Marchbank and his team will look at a new way to reduce immune system targeting of donated kidneys. 

21/08/2025

Christine lives with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which has affected multiple generations of her family.

Her mum died from the condition in 2001, and it has been inherited by Christine, several of her siblings and their children.

Christine, along with 15 of her family members, will be taking part in our Glasgow Bridges Walk to support those living with kidney disease.

“Four of us [siblings] live with PKD and have been monitored by renal consultants throughout our lives. We saw our mum struggle with the condition and are now facing those challenges ourselves.

“She had a transplant which lasted for 15 years before it sadly failed, and she needed dialysis. It wasn’t long after that when she died.

“None of my siblings have gone through kidney failure yet, but it happened to me in 2017. It got to the point where I was being prepared to start dialysis but, thankfully, I was fortunate enough to receive a pre-emptive transplant.

“I still need immunosuppressants to prevent transplant rejection. This has left me at higher risk of being affected by conditions including skin cancer, for which I needed treatment earlier this year. However, I have been mostly well over the past eight years.

“I wrote a letter for my donor’s family to express how thankful I am. Words are never enough. It’s hard to explain just how much it has meant to me and my family.

“Treatment has progressed since my mum was unwell, so I hope it will continue to improve for my children, nieces and nephews. I’d love to see improvements in making more kidneys available for transplantation, as some of my siblings came forward to donate but have been unable to progress beyond being tested.

“On the day of the walk, my mum would have been 93, so it’s a nice way to remember her together. I’m looking forward to it. There should be a great atmosphere, walking with hundreds of people wanting to make a difference.”

There is still time to register for the Glasgow Bridges Walk. If you use GBW25, you get 25% off all registration fees. Click here to join: https://bit.ly/439nnLt

Registration closes on Tuesday 26 August but you can sign up on the day.

19/08/2025

For National Potato Day we are sharing a story from a familiar face to most of you, Spud Man, aka Ben.

“I’ve always worked with potatoes. I started as soon as the bank would give me the money to buy the pitch. My old man was a potato merchant, so I grew up around it.

“My health problems began in 2010 when I failed a medical for life insurance and went to see my doctor. I did a blood test and was sent straight to hospital. That day I crash-landed into kidney failure and immediately started dialysis treatment. My kidney function was at just 8%.

“I was in complete denial. I thought doctors would fix me and get me on my way. Obviously, it didn’t work out like that. I initially received peritoneal dialysis treatment but didn’t get on well with it and moved to haemodialysis which was better.

“Later on, I wanted to take back more control and moved to having my haemodialysis at home, but it was in 2015 while being treated in the dialysis unit that I met Sarah. Without my kidney failure we wouldn’t have our life together.

“I’ve had three transplants over the years, but unfortunately none of them have lasted very long because of my rare condition – membranous nephropathy – which is aggressive and a recurring problem. With current treatment options, I will be on dialysis for the rest of my life.

“Quite a few people with kidney problems come up to the trailer. I think they appreciate me showing a positive perspective on living with the illness and raising awareness.”

Sarah, also known as Spudwife, first became familiar with Ben while caring for a lady with learning difficulties.

“Ben is a very positive person but sometimes he finds it harder than he lets on. He’ll bounce around the trailer and then come home feeling not so great. Dialysis affects the whole family, but we try our best to keep everything as normal as possible.

“We might not have found a cure yet, but it’s exciting to see what is happening and to think how it could relate to us in the future. I enjoy reading the positive stories and breakthroughs that are making a real difference to peoples’ lives.”

Read Ben and Sarah’s full story here: https://bit.ly/4oEK6e4

18/08/2025

Today, Tim will be starting his 200-mile cycle challenge, aiming to raise £2,040, which represents £5 for each of the 408 sessions of dialysis he has had since January 2023.

After falling ill at Christmas 2022, his family urged him to visit A&E in the New Year.

“Things escalated rapidly. I found out I had kidney failure and was transferred for urgent dialysis treatment. Further investigation revealed the underlying cause was myeloma – a type of blood cancer formed in the bone marrow. That was a massive shock.

“I needed nine months of chemotherapy and underwent a stem cell transplant which seriously affected my life. Thankfully, I’m currently in remission from cancer, but I need monthly tests to monitor that it has not returned.

“I worked for six months while receiving treatment. However, after my stem cell transplant, I had to step away and have been unable to work since. Dialysis has taken my freedom and ability to make choices. Things you take for granted, you can no longer do.

“I’m now on the kidney transplant waiting list, but try not to think about it too often. You can’t get ahead of yourself or worry about what you can’t control. There is plenty to enjoy and be grateful for. I hope my experiences can give others hope.

“Cycling allows me to briefly escape from dialysis. It takes me out of my routine and is a release from everything that is happening. Nobody treats you as a kidney patient, you’re just one of the group. It has been so important for my physical and mental recovery.

“I’d love to think that sharing my story will raise awareness of the impact of kidney disease and encourage people to consider live organ donation to help patients. Donating a kidney can make a massive difference to somebody’s life.

“I hope by the end of the challenge I’ll have had a great time and will feel a huge feeling of satisfaction in what we’ve achieved.”

Read more of Tim’s story and donate here: https://bit.ly/4lueYed

14/08/2025

Keven is joining our Glasgow Bridges Walk to celebrate 20 dialysis-free years after receiving a transplant from his dad.

Keven was born with posterior urethral valves (PUV) - a condition which causes urine to be pushed back into the kidneys from the bladder due to a blockage in the urethra.

“I’ve had kidney problems my whole life and have never known any different. The renal unit was my second home when I was born. I needed all kinds of tests and surgeries to divert my urine using a stoma.

“My kidney function deteriorated throughout childhood, and I needed dialysis at 11 years old. I was isolated and lost almost two years of education to dialysis, illness and hospital visits.

“I didn’t realise how disrupted my early childhood was until I received my transplant at 13 years old. I’d been ill so often, that it was just part of normal life for me.

“We’re a close-knit family and everyone wanted to help. Thankfully, everything went well, and Dad and I were well cared for. I’ll always remember the renal nurses who looked after me.

“Dad recovered well too, and you’d never know that he lives with one kidney. I’m so thankful to him for giving me this kidney which has lasted so many years. I’ve been able to live a relatively normal life, going to university, becoming a teacher and starting a family.

“I know one day I will go to an appointment, and my renal consultant will tell me that I need a second transplant. Until then, I try not to dwell on it.

“I hope that by participating in the Glasgow Bridges Walk, I can help start more conversations about the impact of kidney disease and fund research that can make a difference to patient’s lives. A lot has changed over the past 20 years, so let’s see how much further forward we can push treatments.”

There is still time to register for the Glasgow Bridges Walk. If you use GBW25, you get 25% off all registration fees. Click here to join: https://bit.ly/439nnLt

Walk all over kidney disease at part of as you take to the city of Glasgow fundraising for vital research

12/08/2025

Diabetes is the largest cause of kidney disease, with almost one in five people living with diabetes needing kidney treatment in their lifetime.

Rajani has made it her mission to increase early diagnosis in people at risk of kidney disease, after her father's battle with diabetes ultimately led to kidney failure.

She leads the ‘Diabetes - Prevention Against Chronic Kidney Disease Through Early Diagnosis’ (D-PACTED) project. Based in Cardiff and Newport, it seeks to inform and empower people from lower socio-economic and South Asian communities, who are particularly at risk, but most typically underserved by health services.

“We want to raise awareness of kidney health and support people to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings, ensuring they are knowledgeable about what tests and treatments are available. I regularly attend events in the community, providing information and speaking in mosques, temples and churches to reach people who will benefit.

“Many people, like me, have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. It’s common for people to feel a sense of inevitability about inheriting a genetic condition and feeling that there is little that can be done to change their story.

“The reality is that there is often something that can be done to protect our health and that can start by simply having the knowledge to ask your GP for a uACR test. Having the confidence to take that step is powerful and an early diagnosis can improve somebody’s quality of life immeasurably.

“I’m very passionate about making a change for the wider community. It’s sad to see diabetes and kidney disease still affecting people’s lives despite advancements in healthcare. Nobody wants to be unwell and it’s upsetting when somebody could have been protected if they’d had more awareness at an earlier stage.

“I hope more funding will go into early diagnosis and early intervention. A simple test can save and change lives, ultimately helping the NHS too, by preventing conditions becoming more serious. If more investment is not made in education and prevention, even more money will be needed to treat those conditions down the line.”

Read more of Rajani's story here: https://bit.ly/41sND4Y