Case studies

Kidney disease can affect anyone of any age, including children. Some people are born with the condition, whilst others only discover years down the line (often completely out of the blue) that their kidneys have failed.

But whatever the circumstances, there are only two options: dialysis, whereby a machine replaces the function of the kidneys, or a kidney transplant for which there is a huge shortage. Here are a selection of stories from people who have lived first hand with the disease