Joseph's story: living with kidney disease

Joseph was diagnosed with stage five cancer and, after ringing the bell, kidney failure. Yet, despite all the hardship, Joseph is always smiling and he is now waiting for his kidney transplant.

Even though he was so poorly, he was always smiling.

We spoke with Joseph and his mum, Rebecca, at the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle.

After his cancer diagnosis, Joseph had to have one and three quarters of his kidneys taken out. His kidney function has since declined to end of life stage, so he visits the hospital three times a week to receive haemodialysis treatment. Rebecca explains how the staff at the hospital help them both to feel comfortable, and talks about how being around other children with similar conditions puts Joseph at ease.

After waiting for a kidney transplant, a suitable match has been found for Joseph. He is due to receive his new kidney by Christmas 2023.