SINGER Katherine Jenkins opened the newly-refurbished unit at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for children with kidney disease.

The Kidney Wales children’s centre has had a £100,000 transformation, thanks to the hard work of dedicated fundraisers.The centre originally opened in 1999

Mezzo-soprano Katherine, a patron of Kidney Wales Foundation who ran the Cardiff 10k last year to raise money for the unit, said: “It is great to see the new improved facility and be with the children today.

“It is wonderful to see how money raised for Kidney Wales is being spent wisely on supporting patients and their wellbeing in this wonderful new centre.”

And fellow patron and undefeated British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight boxer Nathan Cleverly said: “I took part in last year’s Cardiff 10k to raise funds for the Kidney Wales children’s centre.

“It is a cause very close to my heart and it was a privilege to be asked to attend this year’s race as a special guest and to see how the money has been spent.

“The children at the kidney centre are inspirational – they are all true fighters.”

Judith Van Der Voort, clinical head at the children’s centre, said: “We are very grateful to Kidney Wales and their supporters for their generosity.

“Their efforts have enabled us to bring the centre into the 21st century, while making it fun and welcoming for the children.”

Joanne Kansiray, whose daughter Summer has kidney cancer and is cared for by the staff at the centre, said: “It is exactly what a child and parent needs to relax in what used to be a tense and clinical environment.

“ It is a 100% improvement.”SINGER Katherine Jenkins opened the newly-refurbished unit at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for children with kidney disease.

The Kidney Wales childrens centre has had a