Helen’s Patient Story

Our ambassador Helen shares her journey so far with chronic kidney disease, offering a personal insight into the challenges she’s faced and the strength she’s found along the way.

I was diagnosed with IGA nephropathy (one of the many different kidney diseases) in my early 20s, so have spent most of my adult life juggling “normal” life with the everyday challenges of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

My superhero Dad gave me a kidney in 2007 and I was very lucky to have 15 years – where I was able to do all the things that you take for granted like running for a bus and climbing a flight of stairs!

Fast-forward to 2024 and I am now on haemodialysis in Llantrisant dialysis unit. Once more juggling work, living and three sessions a week on dialysis, whilst waiting on the transplant list.

Like all CKD patients, my story is to be continued……