Kidney and Transplant patient pens first book

and hosts successful launch night.

Chris Simpson, a kidney patient in Wrexham, approached Kidney Wales in 2020, following encouragement from friend Bernice and his Social Worker Caron, to ask for our help. He has now published his first book.

Chris had been keeping busy with a true passion project during lockdown. He had begun to write a book, a book that would document his experiences as a kidney and transplant patient.

Chris Simpson says “What began as a therapeutic pandemic project between myself and the ingenious Bee, my best friend, writing about my personal kidney journey, became so much more. Both Bee and Caron, my social worker, saw the potential in my work. I’m so pleased they did, the idea of sharing these experiences with fellow patients and using them to help educate people was empowering.”

“The support I have had along the way, finally holding my first book in my hands has been truly incredible. Kidney Wales were amazing, supporting me in many ways. They have given me a new laptop, incredible support in the form of Judith Stone and friendship. I hope this book raises awareness of kidney disease and helps raise awareness for Kidney Wales too.”

Transplants and Fears began as a handwritten diary about Chris’ kidney journey and the silent struggles a kidney patient goes through. It then became so much more when he showed it to his social worker Caron and a group, made up of staff and students, from Wrexham Glyndwr University.

When the idea of turning his diary into a book started becoming reality, Chris’s friends knew he would need help writing something of this scale. Kidney Wales were approached early on, we happily provided Chris with a new laptop and have continued to offer our support where we can since. With the help of Kidney Wales and Co-Author Bee Ross, Chris finished his book in early 2021.

Recently Chris held a brilliant and successful book launch. Surrounded by guests and friends who have supported him along his journey. Guest speakers included, former Kidney Wales Managing Director, Judith Stone, who spoke proudly of Chris’s achievements and the impact his book will have on the reader.

With a brand new cover ready to go, you will soon be able to get your hands on this book. Chris hopes his book will help others and bring a form of comfort to those going through a similar journey, but also give professionals an insight into the effects a chronic condition can have on patients and families.

You can express your interest in purchasing Chris’s book, Transplants and Fears, by emailing [email protected] .