Abbie Freeman: Kidney Research UK

Kidney Research UK is the UK’s leading kidney research charity. Today we were addressed by the charity’s Abbie Freeman.

Our kidneys are important organs. They filter our blood to remove waste products and produce urine. They also release hormones which help control blood pressure and produce red blood cells. They are about the size of an adult human fist and sit behind the liver and intestines. Most of us have two we only need one. Some people only have one. Others have only one after donating the other for a transplant.

They can, however, become diseased. Symptoms of kidney disease include tiredness and lack of energy, cramp and weight loss. However, the same symptoms can also be caused by less serious illnesses, so it pays to ask your doctor to check you out.

Kidney Research UK funds research into earlier diagnosis, better transplants, new and better treatments, and ways of raising public awareness. Although they consult patients about this work, they are not involved in treatment; another UK charity deals with that. Instead they work with clinicians and scientists and lobby governments about policy and practice.

The charity’s vision is a future where everyone is free from kidney disease.