Kidney disease has affected my whole family
Kev’s grandad, uncle, aunt and mother all had polycystic kidney disease (PKD) before they sadly passed away. The disease has had a devastating impact.
Kev says: “Mum found out she had polycystic kidney disease when she was 40 years old. She was fortunate she did not require dialysis because she received a transplant when she was 60, but it was such a long-drawn-out disease which she lived with until her passing at 77 years old.
“She really looked after her transplanted kidney. She stopped drinking and would exercise regularly, but the over last couple of years she started to go downhill. Most of her time was spent in hospital or at the doctors.
“My sister and I stayed with Mum in hospital for five days and never left her side before she passed away. She was nearly unable to speak by the end, but we had enough time to talk about everything we wanted to. One of her wishes was for me to support Kidney Research UK – as she did in life.
“We had a very close relationship. She was our rock, and I was heartbroken when she passed away. It has been difficult, but having this tour to focus on has been helpful. I have to do this for her.”
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- Source: https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/2024/04/25/the-singing-plumber-heading-on-tour-in-memory-of-mum/