Your stories

Living with kidney disease, Peritoneal dialysis, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

Ravi's life was transformed by the gift of a kidney from his living donor, Daksha Varsani. He shares his story to highlight the live-saving power of organ donation.

Families, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Travelling and CKD

Back when he was 17, Professor Andy Demaine just wanted to be normal and like other people. Now, 40 years after receiving his second kidney transplant, Andy is enjoying his retirement,

Families, Living with kidney disease, Transplant

When Kim's kidney function dropped, her sister donated her a kidney for a transplant. Now, Kim is back enjoying weekends away and spending time with her grandchildren.

Haemodialysis, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure)

Phoenix has been on nocturnal haemodialysis for nine years. Keeping his home warm to do dialysis is more and more of a struggle. He explains how Kidney Care UK supports patients like him.

Families, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Peritoneal dialysis, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

After being diagnosed with IgAN, new dad Ryan couldn't lift his baby daughter. From transplant to dialysis, he hopes his experiences will inspire other members of the kidney community.

Families, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal

Heidi was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition at just three weeks old. She has blood infusions to keep her alive, but nothing stops her – her life is filled with family, friends and sports she loves.

Families, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

From birth, Joe’s mum knew there were going to be difficulties. But Joe was a fighter, and at 11 years old he has had two kidney transplants, the second being donated from his dad.

Families, Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

Olly is just trying to be a normal little boy – who happens to be spending 84 hours a week on dialysis. He is living with stage 5 kidney failure and waiting for a transplant.

Families, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal

Rumer has lived with the rare condition Bartter syndrome her entire life. Mum Amy explains how the disease has affected both of them, from holidaying to making up pillboxes.

Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

Heidi was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and spent her first Halloween and Christmas in hospital. Now she is thriving, and the next step is to try and get her a kidney transplant.

Families, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

Clodagh and Faith are cousins who were both born with congenital nephrotic syndrome, who have each had a kidney transplant, with kidneys donated from family members.

Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Peritoneal dialysis, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Travelling and CKD

Shaun was working on his motorbikes when his doctor diagnosed him with a rare kidney disease. Now Shaun receives haemodialysis treatment and is back working on his bikes.

Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal, Transplant

For Rik and Sally, IgAN meant vomiting, exhaustion, and dialysis. Now, 30 years after Rik’s kidney transplant, they are travelling the world, from the Lake District to Chile.

Living with kidney disease, Medication, Rare renal, Transplant

Sarah was diagnosed with aHUS when she was less than two years old. From failed transplants to the importance of support networks, Sarah talks about her experience of kidney disease.

Diet and nutrition, Haemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure)

William Johnston enjoyed a career in catering before starting dialysis and having to adapt to a renal diet. Thanks to the Kidney Kitchen he's found his 'cooking mojo' again

Diet and nutrition, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease

Helen and Phil had thought they'd never be able to enjoy cooking again after their diabetes and kidney disease diagnoses.

Families, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal

Stewart's diagnosis of vasculitis has affected everything in his life, but he doesn't let the bad days overwhelm the good. After all, his granddaughter has to make someone laugh.

Families, Haemodialysis, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal

For Kitty, a diagnosis with a rare kidney disease meant emergency dialysis and missing out on school. But one donated kidney from her uncle later, Kitty is back living her 'old normal' life.

Haemodialysis, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure)

Kieran talks about how living with a rare renal condition meant getting stared at by children, and how the Young Adult Kidney Group has helped him get into a better place.

Families, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

David was diagnosed with kidney failure at just one week old. He became the youngest person in Northern Ireland to receive a transplant when his dad donated a kidney to him.

Diet and nutrition, Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Travelling and CKD

After a shock diagnosed of kidney failure in her 20s, Gillian has received haemodialysis for 20 years. She visits the unit three times a week for four and a half hours at a time.