Kidney Research Talk

At Baldock Rotary this week we were delighted to welcome Laura Tilbrook and Julie Walker as our joint guest speakers. They were representing Addenbrookes Kidney Patients’ Association, a charity that was founded in 1975 and is run by volunteers. Laura is the Chair and a Trustee of AKPA; Julie is a Trustee.

Chronic kidney disease is more common than many people realise and although there are many older people who suffer from it, it can also occur in younger people. There is an urgent need to increase awareness of how poor lifestyle (e.g. poor nutrition, alcohol or smoking) will accelerate deterioration of our kidneys so people should try to make the necessary adjustments before dialysis becomes the only option. However, some causes of kidney disease can be hereditary.

Laura and Julie highlighted some of the important grant-funded research that is currently on-going at several universities and hospitals. As well as funding research into kidney disease and treatments, AKPA also supports the renal unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and has purchased equipment and comforts, that are not supplied by the NHS, for Addenbrooke’s Dialysis Units in Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Hinchingbrooke and King’s Lynn. We hope that the research and the services will result in improved treatments and lifestyles for people with kidney problems.

However, it was suggested that a national strategy, similar to the one for heart disease is really needed to highlight kidney disease.

AKPA aims to improve the lives of kidney patients by providing financial assistance, support, and practical help along with supporting dialysis, pre-dialysis and transplant patients as well as helping their relatives and friends, along with the nursing and medical staff. 

A kidney diagnosis is life changing and, alongside the support provided by medical staff, AKPA’s special help and assistance with equipment, welfare and peer support is crucial to the wellbeing of those undergoing treatment. Laura and Julie told us of their own personal experiences of receiving kidney transplants.

AKPA is only able to help, support and assist kidney patients and their families via funding from its members, fundraisers and donations and Rotary Vice President, John Wilburn was pleased to make a donation to the charity from Baldock Rotary, whose members wish AKPA every success in such important work.

At Baldock Rotary this week we were delighted to welcome Laura Tilbrook and Julie Walker as our joint guest speakers. They were representing Addenbrookes Kidney Patients’ Association, a charity that was founded in 1975 and is run by volunteers. Laura is the Chair and a Trustee of AKPA; Julie is a Trustee.

Chronic kidney disease is more common than many people realise and although there are many older people who suffer from it, it can also occur in younger people. There is an urgent need to increase awareness of how poor lifestyle (e.g. poor nutrition, alcohol or smoking) will accelerate deterioration of our kidneys so people should try to ma