Working side by side with the patient community, we have achieved so much and delivered significant improvements in the support and care available to everyone affected by kidney disease.
From the introduction of the kidney donor card in the 1970s to the launch of vital patient support services in 2010, we have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for everyone affected by kidney disease.
Our story is yours as much as ours. It is only thanks to the generosity of supporters like you and by coming together as patients, families, and healthcare professionals, that we can make a real difference.
There is so much more to do. With your support, we are committed to ensuring every kidney patient is able to live their life to the full.
For 50 years, Kidney Care UK has been part of our kidney community, representing patients’ voices and campaigning for better care, working to raise greater awareness of kidney disease and, providing emotional, financial and practical support to help patients and their loved ones live their lives as fully as possible. Thanks to your support, we have achieved a lot, but our 50th anniversary is not a time for self-congratulation. There is so much more we want and need to do. Whether individuals need to have their first holiday or respite break in years, information to get access to vital services, a little financial help when life gets difficult, or a friendly, caring voice on the end of the phone when times are tough, with your support we aim to be there for everyone who needs us. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Kidney Care UK journey. Together we can ensure that no one faces chronic kidney disease alone.Paul Bristow, CEO, Kidney Care UK
What we have achieved together
- Pioneering advocacy In 1971, our founder Elizabeth Ward successfully campaigned for the introduction of the kidney donor card, a pivotal moment in raising awareness about organ donation. Her commitment placed kidney care on the national agenda.
- Holiday freedom In 1982, we opened the UK’s first holiday dialysis centre, giving patients the freedom to take breaks while still receiving essential treatment. This innovation remains a cornerstone of our work to improve quality of life.
- Transforming young lives From the opening of the Timbo Ward Paediatric Renal Unit at Guy’s Hospital in 1990 to launching the Young Adult Kidney Group residential weekends in 2012, we’ve championed young people with kidney disease.
- Advancing organ donation Our decades-long advocacy and campaigning contributed to the opt-out law for organ donation in England (2020) and Northern Ireland (2021), helping save more lives through transplantation.
- Raising awareness In 2024, we launched our first ever #BloodyAmazingKidneys campaign, engaging over 100,000 people and empowering individuals to take control of their kidney health.
Looking to the future
As we commemorate 50 years of progress, we remain focused on the fact that so much more needs to be done.
Our mission remains clear: no one should face kidney disease alone, and in 2025 we plan to increase our expenditure on patient support by a further £1 million so we can be there for everyone who needs our help.
But we can’t do it without you.