Kidney Research UK

12/06/2026

Diagnosed with lupus 30 years ago, Katie Tinkler’s life has been impacted by the autoimmune disease in so many ways. There were times when she struggled to walk, needed long stays in hospital and when her lupus was damaging her heart, lungs and kidneys – seeing her close to needing dialysis.

But thanks to an experimental treatment, from researchers at the University College London Hospitals, designed to 'reset' the immune system – life has changed. Her lupus is now in remission and Katie says she’s “never been this good”.

A year-and-a-half on from treatment, she no longer needs medication for her lupus and her organs have recovered. Researchers don't know how long the treatment will last before the lupus returns but say it is a significant step forward towards a possible cure.

A powerful reminder of the huge potential research holds for people living with the disease.

You can read Katie's full story on the BBC News website https://bbc.in/4ehUsfh

12/06/2026

Did you know? Diabetes is the most common disease affecting the kidneys that results in patients needing dialysis.

Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the filtering system in the kidney, preventing it from filtering out waste products from the bloodstream.

Some factors that can increase the risk of developing CKD, in patients living with diabetes include poor blood glucose control, a family history of kidney disease or high blood pressure, smoking and living with overweight or obesity.

Early detection can make a real difference - if you live with diabetes, make sure you have your annual kidney health checks, including a blood test and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) test. These simple tests can detect early signs of kidney damage, helping you take action sooner and protect your long-term health.

This Diabetes Week, please share this post to help more people living with diabetes know the importance of keeping an eye on their kidney health 💜

10/06/2026

Another brilliant year for the Andy Cole Fund Golf Day ⛳ 🎉

Thanks to the generosity of our golfers and bidders in our silent auction, we were able to raise a staggering £39,000 for the Andy Cole Fund - set up to help fund research into transplants and mental health and wellbeing.

Despite the challenging weather, our golfers stuck it out to the end, all to raise funds for vital research that could transform the lives of millions of people living with kidney disease, just like Andy.

We asked Andy for his words of advice for those living with kidney disease:

"Surround yourself with good, positive people. People who want to understand it...who are prepared to put themselves out there for you. However you look at it, you can't do it by yourself."

Thank you to everyone who was part of the event, especially to the man himself, Andy Cole, and to all involved who helped to make it such a success 💜

09/06/2026

Vital funding has been allocated to kidney research!

We're incredibly pleased to announce that we're set to receive almost £1m to expand the UK’s renal research capabilities by attracting and retaining more scientists and clinicians.

The funding, from the National Institute of Health and Care Research, will enable us to boost interest in working in renal research, and draw people with a broad range of experience, skills and perspectives.

Our chief research officer, Dr David Crosby, said: "It is more important than ever that we support and develop researchers in whose hands lies the future of the 7.2million people living with kidney disease in the UK."

"This funding is an important contribution to our work, but the challenge is vast and we are grateful to all our supporters for their ongoing loyalty.”

A huge thank you to the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) for their work in securing this transformative funding 💜

09/06/2026

Nurse and mum of three, Hafsa, is calling for more people to register their organ donation wishes, after both her kidneys failed, leading her to spend two years on dialysis.

In May 2023, Hafsa began experiencing a sudden onset of concerning symptoms, including blood in her urine, pain in her sides and heart palpitations.

Hafsa is now on dialysis three times a week, for three and a half hours at a time - her only option until she receives a kidney transplant that could transform her life.

“As a mum and a nurse, I was always on the go, but now I lose three days every week connected to a dialysis machine. That time is taken away from spending it with loved ones. I have restrictions on what I can eat and drink, as well as where I can go. It’s hard to enjoy a family event or a holiday on dialysis."

It is estimated that 7.2 million people in the UK are living with chronic kidney disease, many of whom are waiting on a kidney transplant, just like Hafsa.

"A transplant would give me that hope to live life back again. It would give me so much freedom – freedom to live."

08/06/2026

Rachel is one of many kidney patients who are living with multiple health conditions.

Having lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) since childhood, Rachel was then diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2022. This is a common complication of T1D, affecting 30-40% of all patients with the condition.

Several serious kidney infections led Rachel to be admitted to hospital in August 2021. She spent the next six months receiving blood transfusions, antibiotics and other treatments as she became increasingly unwell, finally receiving a diagnosis of CKD at the beginning of the following year.

“I was used to feeling poorly, so when I woke up feeling pain around my kidneys I didn’t think too much of it. I just went downstairs to get some pain relief and got back into bed. Unfortunately, it got worse very quickly. By the time my partner and I reached A&E, I collapsed on the floor."

While waiting for a transplant, Rachel now manages her kidney disease on top of type 1 diabetes, which multiplies everything - symptoms, health professionals, treatments, appointments - and one condition can impact another.

“Diabetes and sepsis both led to my eventual kidney failure. Now, my kidney disease affects my ability to manage my diabetes because of the glucose levels used in peritoneal dialysis. It has been trial and error in getting my insulin levels right to combat this. It’s so important to understand how my different conditions relate to one another to be able to manage my overall health and try to prevent further problems."

This , we're raising awareness of the connection between diabetes and kidney disease, and the challenges faced by people living with both conditions.

07/06/2026

After spending ten years on dialysis and receiving her own transplant in 2018, Hilaria has been raising awareness of the life-changing impact of organ donation, encouraging people to consider becoming donors.

She has made it her mission to raise awareness of kidney disease, becoming one of our community ambassadors and blood pressure volunteers - offering free blood pressure checks in her community, helping people to understand if they are at risk of kidney problems.

“I come from Nigeria originally and we don’t tend to speak about illness or death. Becoming an organ donor is not a topic that is often considered, meaning there are a lack of donors from the Black community. That’s why it is important to me to share my story, to encourage people to think differently."

We are so grateful for volunteers like Hilaria, who dedicate their time to support others experiencing the harsh realities of kidney disease. As we end Volunteers Week, we want to say a huge thank you to every single one of our volunteers, for providing care and understanding and for continuing to raise awareness of kidney disease. We couldn't achieve all that we have without you 💜

06/06/2026

Many of you will know that a kidney transplant is the best option for patients with end-stage kidney disease, but there are no 100% guarantees.

A transplant is not a cure and the journey doesn't end there for patients who have received a new kidney. There can be a number of possible side effects that come with having a kidney transplant, including being more prone to infection due to immunosuppressive drugs and the possibility of rejection.

That's why our researchers work incredibly hard to tackle the challenges transplant recipients still face, from preventing rejection to reducing complications and improving quality of life.

This , we're shining a light on the research bringing us closer to safer, longer-lasting transplants for everyone who needs them.

06/06/2026

This we have an incredible story to share...

Meet twin sisters Jennie and Sue. In 2017, Sue found herself heading towards kidney failure following a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy - a type of kidney disease. Her identical twin sister, Jennie, left her life in New Zealand to make a life-changing organ donation which took place in March 2018, giving sue a new lease of life.

Jennie told us, "I didn’t think twice about donating my kidney. I don’t need two, and it has made a huge difference to Sue’s life.”

We're sending a big congratulations to Jennie and Sue, who have recently celebrated their eight-year kidneyversary 💜

06/06/2026

It's World Transplant Day - and did you know that a kidney transplant isn't a cure for kidney disease?

It's an incredible way to improve quality of life for someone with kidney failure - as it means we don’t have to undergo dialysis several times a week.

But ultimately, kidney transplants last for an average of 20 years. The kidney is eventually rejected, and we have to go back on dialysis until we can get another kidney transplant.

Lots of people with kidney failure end up having multiple transplants throughout their life.

Transplants are incredible - but they're not a cure. And that's why it's so important we keep funding research into kidney disease. So we can keep developing even better treatments - and one day, a cure.

This World Transplant Day, please share this post so more people understand 💜

Kidney Research UK is the leading kidney disease charity in the UK, funding research to free lives from kidney disease.