NKF - National Kidney Federation

29/01/2026

It’s estimated that over 8 million people live with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the UK. Too many people are diagnosed late, treated late, or lost to follow-up – costing lives and stretching the NHS. Without action, 2 million more people could be living with CVD by 2040.

The National Kidney Federation are proud to be part of a CVD coalition calling for policy change on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for CVD and risk conditions. Yesterday we attended AstraZeneca 's Getting to the Heart of the Matter event.

Find out more about the coalition's new action plan below:
https://qr.short.az/National-Action-Plan- For-Tackling-CVD

Pictured:
1. The CVD Coalition.
2. Lord Booth shared his health journey with CVD in parliament.
3. Anneka shared her story of living with undiagnosed high blood pressure and the impact this has had on her life. She has chronic kidney disease and uses home dialysis whilst she waits for a suitable transplant.

This non-promotional policy paper has been developed and funded by AstraZeneca, with input from partner organisations and is intended for healthcare professionals, policymakers and the general public.

29/01/2026

Yesterday, our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Lucy visited Parliament to meet with Martin Vickers MP for Brigg and Immingham to discuss the experiences of kidney patients in his constituency and across the UK. It was a great opportunity to introduce Martin to the NKF and taking the voices of kidney patients to Westminster is an important way we can gain support for our campaigns, to make the changes needed to improve the lives of kidney patients and their families.

28/01/2026

Be part of our Voices to Vision: Co-designing a kidney disease strategy programme.

Join us online on 4 February for the first virtual listening launch event and help shape a new national kidney disease strategy by sharing what really matters.

Whether you have kidney disease yourself, or care for, support, love or work with someone with the condition, we want to hear from you.

Learn more and register your interest 👇
www.kidney.org.uk/7-million-lives-at-risk-whats-the-plan

🗣

Kidney Care UK Kidney Research UK Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Charity UK UK Kidney Association

27/01/2026

Two men have been firm friends for more than 20 years after bonding over a pair of trainers while they both received kidney dialysis.

Anthony Devine and Scott Humpston have each had dialysis three times a week at Coventry's University Hospital and have undergone the treatment next to each other for 22 years.

Anthony Devine and Scott Humpston have had dialysis three times a week for 22 years.

26/01/2026

Kidney disease is the ninth biggest killer globally and is projected to be the fifth leading cause of premature death by 2040. It is one of the UK’s fastest growing health crises yet for far too long kidney disease has been under prioritised. We need your help – will you write to your MP to ask them to speak to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and ask what the Government is doing to address the growing challenge of kidney disease?

Seven million lives are at risk in the UK, and we need to know what the government’s plan is. Email your MP today: www.kidney.org.uk/7-million-lives-at-risk-whats-the-plan

26/01/2026

Could you take on the challenge of a lifetime and change lives along the way? 🏔️

Join us on an unforgettable trek to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895m. Following the stunning Machame route, you gradually acclimatise as you climb through lush rainforest, dramatic landscapes and finally to the iconic snow-capped peak.

This is a tough challenge, but one that’s incredibly rewarding. Every step you take helps support people living with kidney disease across the UK 💚

Why take on Kilimanjaro?
• Conquer one of the world’s most famous mountains

• Experience breathtaking scenery from the rainforest to the summit

• Push yourself physically and mentally

• Raise vital funds to support kidney patients and their families

If you’re ready to test your limits and make a real difference, this challenge is for you.

👉Find out how you can get involved - https://www.kidney.org.uk/Event/kilimanjaro-trek

and access fundraising support please contact pete@kidney.org.uk

25/01/2026

Now that the new year is well underway, how’s your motivation holding up? If you’re living with kidney disease, are you wondering how to exercise safely? 🤔

If you’re living with kidney disease or high blood pressure, moving more can feel daunting. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Our Exercise & Lifestyle Information Pack brings together four easy-to-follow booklets designed to support you at your own pace:

• Exercises for kidney patients

• Helping people living with kidney disease to move more and be active

• Can I safely exercise with high blood pressure (hypertension)?

• Staying fit with kidney disease

Whether your goal is to build confidence, boost energy, or gently get moving after the holidays, these booklets are here to guide and reassure you 💙

Learn More https://www.kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets

call our free Kidney Helpline for support

Our Helpline is open from Monday to Thursday: 08:30 am - 5:00 pm and Friday: 08:30 am - 12:30 pm.

24/01/2026

Word of the Week - Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a medical term for inflammation of blood vessels. It can be caused by infection, drugs and associated with malignancy. But most commonly an auto-immune disease, i.e. the body’s immune system attacks blood vessels causing swelling and resulting organ damage.

Learn more online: https://www.kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets

Call our Freephone Helpline: 0800 169 09 36

Our Helpline is open from Monday to Thursday: 08:30 am - 5:00 pm and Friday: 08:30 am - 12:30 pm.

22/01/2026

Did you see the report we shared yesterday on organ donation and what needs to change next? 🤍

NHS Blood and Transplant are hosting a free webinar to talk through the newly published report - A Bolder, Braver Approach for Organ Donation in the UK.

If you’re involved in organ donation, as a patient, donor family member, carer, clinician or charity supporter, this is a chance to hear directly from the working group behind the report.

Please register for your chosen webinar by clicking the link below. Both webinars will be the same, you will only need to join one.

Monday 26 January 6pm: b222100a-91d2-40db-ac11-0c3dd600a23c@e11a1b8f-8f52-4608-8f76-467ff1d34c96" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b222100a-91d2-40db-ac11-0c3dd600a23c@e11a1b8f-8f52-4608-8f76-467ff1d34c96

Thursday 29 January 12:30pm: 83d7b525-4550-4242-b9e8-1b76bb1d2b3c@e11a1b8f-8f52-4608-8f76-467ff1d34c96" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/83d7b525-4550-4242-b9e8-1b76bb1d2b3c@e11a1b8f-8f52-4608-8f76-467ff1d34c96

21/01/2026

A new report from the Organ Donation Joint Working Group highlights both the challenges and the opportunities facing organ donation in the UK.

Since 2024/25 rates of organ donation and transplantations have decreased and in part due to donor numbers and consent rates reducing. The report identifies the potential to reverse these trends to ensure that the high levels of public support for organ donation matches the consent given for the register.

One of the most important actions we can all take is talking to our loved ones about organ donation. When families know someone’s wishes, they are far more likely to support donation at a difficult time.

At the National Kidney Federation, we see every day how life-changing a transplant can be for kidney patients. Supporters play a vital role in helping turn public support into real-life donations.

You can help by:
• Talking to your family about organ donation
• Registering your decision
• Sharing trusted information

Read more at:www.kidney.org.uk/News/a-bolder-braver-approach-for-organ-donation-in-the-uk

Together, we can help save lives.

21/01/2026

The NKF are pleased to share news of our involvement with Look Beyond the Bias – a campaign by Chiesi UK and Ireland backed by a coalition of patient organisations including the NKF, healthcare professionals and advocates. The campaign shines a light on the harmful impact of stigma and bias faced by people living with health conditions and calls for fairer, more inclusive care.

A survey which was conducted by Chiesi UK and Ireland last year shows just how widespread stigma can be:

• 70% have experienced stigma, judgement or blame based on their health condition

• 57% have avoided seeking medical support due to stigma or bias

• 70% have isolated themselves from loved ones for fear of judgement

• 82% of young adults have experienced bias - almost twice the rate of over-55s

• 79% say they’ve played down the impact of their condition

• Over 60% of people have hidden their condition from colleagues or their employer

Look Beyond the Bias marks the start of a long-term commitment to tackling the stigma uncovered in the survey. Chiesi is working with the NHS, patient groups and the wider healthcare community to champion more inclusive approaches to care.

Pete Revell, Head of Marketing and Fundraising, National Kidney Federation, said: “Many kidney transplant and rare kidney disease patients continue to face bias and unfair judgment that directly affects their care and emotional well-being. Patients reported feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or stereotyped because of their condition, with this impacting access to timely treatment and support. These findings underline an urgent need for greater awareness, training, and patient centred approaches across healthcare, ensuring no one’s kidney journey is made harder by prejudice or inequality.”

To read more about the campaign please visit: https://www.kidney.org.uk/News/look-beyond-the-bias

UK-CHI-2500984 | January 2026

20/01/2026

Ever thought about taking on Ben Nevis – and changing lives along the way? 🏔️
You don’t need technical climbing skills, but you do need stamina, determination and a sense of adventure. Trekking Ben Nevis is a real challenge, and one you won’t forget.

As you make your way to the summit, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands. For many, it’s their first time experiencing this landscape – and sharing it with others makes it even more special.
Why take part?

Challenge yourself, physically and mentally

- Experience unforgettable views across the Highlands

- Be part of a supportive, fun team with real camaraderie

- Raise vital funds to support people living with kidney disease

With return transport provided from Glasgow, all you need to do is focus on the trek and enjoy the journey.

Ready to push yourself and make a difference? 💙

Find out more and sign up today.https://www.kidney.org.uk/Event/ben-nevis-trek

or contact pete@kidney.org.uk