Kidney Research UK

Kidney Research UK We are the leading kidney research charity in the UK. Kidney disease ends here. Only research will end kidney disease.
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We believe that no one should live in fear, anxiety and pain with this life-limiting condition. Your help means our fantastic doctors, nurses, and scientists can continue their life-saving work and achieve a better life for those with kidney disease. Follow us to keep up to date with what's happening with our research. Our page should be a safe place where followers can share their person

al experiences of kidney disease and thoughts about our research. We love to hear your feedback, both positive and negative, as it’s important to us that we hear your views. Our social media house rules aim to ensure everyone can enjoy engaging with our page:

We ask everyone interacting with our page to be considerate and respectful of each other. Please ensure that your contributions to the page are civil, polite, tasteful, and are suitable for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We do not accept disruptive, offensive, or abusive behaviour, or unlawful content. This includes any posts that are deemed to be defamatory, offensive, infringing, obscene, lewd, pornographic, violent, abusive, insulting, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, blasphemous, indecent, unlawful, or objectionable. This includes any posts that are aggressive, argumentative, or can be deemed to be bullying. Spamming or the repetition of posts that are unrelated to our page are not acceptable on our page. We try to avoid moderating posts from our followers, except in some instances - for example where posts are offensive, threatening, or include libellous content. We have a duty to protect the wellbeing of our staff and volunteers, so while we try to avoid deleting comments, any post containing a libellous accusation, will be removed. We will also remove any posts that target individual teams or members of staff. If anyone has feedback to share about any individual members of staff or teams, please get in touch with us directly. If an individual continues to post offensive, threatening or libellous content, we will remove them from our page. We do not tolerate posts that are deemed to be racist, sexist or homophobic. We also do not permit posts that support illegal activity, or activities that go against the values of the charity. If you feel that any user content has broken our social media house rules, email us at [email protected]. Comments and content posted on our page by our followers are their views and may not represent the views Kidney Research UK.

Could virtual reality (VR) be a new way to reduce symptoms for people on dialysis, without medication?Dialysis can cause...
19/06/2026

Could virtual reality (VR) be a new way to reduce symptoms for people on dialysis, without medication?

Dialysis can cause multiple symptoms such as pain, extreme tiredness, itching, anxiety, low mood and breathlessness - known as "symptom burden". Dr Emma Murphy is exploring whether VR could offer a new, non‑drug way to help reduce these symptoms.

By wearing a headset, you can experience calming, immersive environments, such as beaches or forests, with accompanying sound. A small number of studies in dialysis and other settings suggest VR may help people relax and feel distracted, including reducing pain during procedures such as needle insertion.

“People on dialysis often live with symptoms that affect daily life. This study explores whether virtual reality can be used in a way that feels acceptable and helpful during dialysis, and whether it could reduce symptom burden over time as part of more person‑centred care", says Dr Emma Murphy.

Does this sound like something that could benefit you during dialysis sessions? Let us know in the comments!

This World Kidney Cancer Day, we're sharing Chris' story 💜 In 2024, a routine blood test revealed something completely u...
18/06/2026

This World Kidney Cancer Day, we're sharing Chris' story 💜

In 2024, a routine blood test revealed something completely unexpected: kidney cancer.

Chris had no obvious symptoms, and without his annual health check, the tumour may not have been discovered until much later. Further scans showed a 7cm tumour growing on his right kidney.

At the beginning of 2025, Chris underwent surgery to remove the tumour.

"Thankfully, it was a success, and I was discharged after two days. Today, everything is pretty much as it was before my diagnosis. The only difference is that I'm living with one kidney. However, my kidney function is stable, and it doesn't hold me back."

Now, Chris is sharing his experience to raise awareness of kidney cancer and encourage others to prioritise their health.

"Being open about my story has helped raise awareness and supported others to feel comfortable talking about what they've been through. It made me feel that I could do something more to help."

This World Cancer Day, take a moment to check in on your health — it could make all the difference.

Did you know that kidney cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the UK?Kidney cancer is caused by abnormal kidney cel...
18/06/2026

Did you know that kidney cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the UK?

Kidney cancer is caused by abnormal kidney cells that divide and can spread to other organs and tissues in the body.

Some symptoms include:
- blood in your urine
- pain and swelling in your lower back or side
- extreme tiredness
- sudden weight loss.

These signs aren't always obvious, which is why it's important to speak to your GP if you notice anything unusual or out of the ordinary.

This World Cancer Day, help us raise awareness by sharing this post. The more people who know the signs, the sooner they can seek help. 💜

“If my story, one of positivity and hope, helps ease the worries of even one potential donor, then it will all have been...
17/06/2026

“If my story, one of positivity and hope, helps ease the worries of even one potential donor, then it will all have been worth it.”

In May 2025, 64-year-old David Eves donated a kidney to his friend Dave, 67, who had needed dialysis for more than six years after his kidneys failed because of polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

David first met Dave back in 1974, when they lived together as a blended family for three years.

“When Dave’s maternal grandmother died from PKD in 1984, he was tested and discovered he had inherited the condition. It is a disease which has affected many of Dave’s family members, including his mother, Anne, sister, Tracy, daughter, Katt, and two granddaughters."

“Donating a kidney has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. It hasn’t impacted my life. I am fully fit and can still do everything I enjoyed before. Most importantly, Dave is here to share those experiences with me."

Next month, on 4 July, David and Dave will be walking together alongside hundreds of people at this year’s London Bridges Walk, celebrating their one-year kidneyversary and raising awareness of kidney disease to support others 💜

"Knowing Dave will be by my side at the walk, no longer tied to a dialysis machine, means everything. He’s back where he was ten years ago, albeit a little older."

16/06/2026

1 in 10 people in the UK have chronic kidney disease.

That's over 7 million people.

But kidney disease isn't a priority for governments across the UK. That means people aren't getting diagnosed early enough, and they aren't getting the support and treatment they deserve.

That isn't good enough, and we're fighting to change it.

New research led by Dr Matthew Butler, Professor Simon Satchell and their team at the University of Bristol shows a simp...
15/06/2026

New research led by Dr Matthew Butler, Professor Simon Satchell and their team at the University of Bristol shows a simple blood test could detect damage to the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys, which occurs at the early stages of kidney disease.

Dr Matthew Butler says “We know the microscopic kidney blood vessels are damaged in the earliest stages in some kidney diseases, but they are largely inaccessible to us clinically. Detecting damage to these tiny blood vessels using a blood test would allow us to identify signs of kidney disease earlier than ever before.”

We can't wait to see where this research goes and to find out more about the impact it could have on the future of kidney disease!

Here's a quick reminder of some of the common symptoms of kidney disease.Knowing these symptoms could help you spot it s...
14/06/2026

Here's a quick reminder of some of the common symptoms of kidney disease.

Knowing these symptoms could help you spot it sooner and receive an earlier diagnosis - helping you to maintain kidney function for as long as possible through treatments and lifestyle changes.

Other symptoms include:

- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Bone or joint pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Finding it difficult to concentrate
- Feeling sad, irritable or anxious

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, please speak to your GP as soon as you can.

Please give this post a share to get this message to as many people as possible📢

Illustration by Ella Harding Illustrates 💜

Diagnosed with lupus 30 years ago, Katie Tinkler’s life has been impacted by the autoimmune disease in so many ways. The...
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

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

Address

Stuart House, City Road
Peterborough
PE11QF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443003031100

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