‘Our Tribute to Dave’

Dave was first and foremost a friend to everyone who met him. His philosophy was ‘if you couldn’t say something positive don’t say anything at all.’ The photographs are evidence that he was rarely seen without a smile on his face, even when illness dominated.

Dave was a kidney patient in Glan Clwyd Hospital North Wales for 37 years where he experienced haemodialysis, a living donor kidney transplant from his mum Jean, a cadaveric transplant under the care of Mr Mick Bewick in London and in the later stage of his life peritoneal dialysis.

During his life he grasped every possible opportunity, which was afforded to him, using many of the events to raise awareness and funds for Kidney Research Unit for Wales (KRUF) with the support of Bob Anderson and more recently Kidney Wales Foundation. Events included 3 solo parachute jumps, swimming 5000 meters, abseiling and in combination with holidays dialysing in Australia and 3 trips to New Zealand.

Since the opening of the new Renal & Diabetes Unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital in 2004, Dave became a founder and active member of the Friends of Renal Care patients support group. Much of his spare time and energies went into creating, implementing and managing his idea of a patient website: ww.renalcareglanclwyd.co.uk this was supported by Senior Computers.

Knowing first hand the trials experienced by patients whilst dialysing, Dave established computer lessons and Internet access for other patients within the dialysis unit. He also became the patients representative on the kidney management team through attending and contributing to the monthly business meetings.

Dave will be sadly missed but fondly remembered as a loyal and inspirational friend, patient, proud son of Jean and Glyn and most of all a support to all who knew and met him.

Written by Jean Evans MBE, Dawn Oliver, Transplant Specialist Nurse and Don Brown fellow patient and friend.Our Tribute to Dave Dave was first and foremost a friend to everyone who met him. His philosophy was if you couldnt say something positive don