12/03/2026
Happy World Kidney Day
Today is a very important day for our family.
Both Michelle and Courtney, our Managing Director and Director, live with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a rare hereditary form of chronic kidney disease.
Michelle was diagnosed in 1998 while pregnant with Courtney. Her diagnosis also led to Michelle’s father discovering that he too had PKD, highlighting how this condition can often go unnoticed until it has significantly progressed.
Courtney herself was later diagnosed at the age of 13.
In recent years, Michelle, Courtney and Martin all took part in the NHS 100,000 Genomes Project, helping researchers better understand the genetic causes of diseases like PKD and supporting future breakthroughs in treatment.
At present there is no cure for PKD, and progression can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals live full lives without ever knowing they have the condition, while others may eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Michelle’s kidney function is currently around 20%, meaning she will likely require a transplant in the future. Courtney has been extremely fortunate and her kidney function remains stable without the need for additional treatment.
Michelle’s father also underwent a kidney transplant in 2015, after living with the condition for many years. At the time of surgery, one of his kidneys had grown to the size of a rugby ball.
Today, on World Kidney Day, we want to raise awareness of rare diseases and chronic kidney disease, and to show our support to those in our community living with kidney conditions.
If you or someone you love is affected by kidney disease, please remember that you are not alone.
With love,
Michelle & Courtney
