Joe's story: living with kidney disease

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.

He had no energy, and he tried as hard as he could… then we knew he needed a transplant.

We chatted with Joe and his mum Mary at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Joe was born with complex medical issues, and while his first transplant failed due to viral infections, Joe was able to receive a second kidney from his dad. Joe explains that the transplant has been a success and tells us about how he feels more energetic and less sick.

Joe loves riding his mountain bike and watching his favourite ice hockey team, the Belfast Giants.