Let’s Bust the Myths About Kidney Disease Together!

Tired of hearing "You don’t look ill–it can’t be that bad" or "You can just get a transplant to fix it"?

Join us for World Kidney Day, Thursday 13th March, and help set the record straight about the realities of kidney disease with this year’s campaign, Don’t Kid Yourself!

Kidney disease is a serious public health emergency, affecting over 7 million people in the UK. Cases are rising so rapidly that the condition could cost the UK economy £13.9 billion annually by 2033.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), the fourth leading cause of kidney failure, impacts 12 million people worldwide, including around 70,000 in the UK. It's a disease that can affect people of all ages, from babies and children to adults in their prime – commonly running through entire families and generations.

Sadly, many people with kidney disease suffer in silence, battling stigma, isolation, financial struggles, and limited work opportunities. Despite the severity of its impact, kidney disease research remains underfunded, resulting in limited treatment options, and far too many without the support they need. Together, we can change this.

How Can You Help? 

• Support us on social media – Share our posts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Download & Share World Kidney Day Materials – Visit the World Kidney Day 'Get Involved' page to access social media posts, kidney facts, banners, colouring sheets, and more.
• Spread Kidney Facts – Educate your friends and colleagues about kidney disease and its symptoms.
• Share our Symptom Checklist – Pass it on to anyone who might be at risk.
• Share Your Story – Use the Kidney Day photo editor to create a personalised image and share your myth-busting story.
• Host an Event – Download printable materials to organise your own kidney awareness event.
• Tell Your Local Media – Use our World Kidney Day template to share your story with local newspapers or radio stations.
• Educate in the Workplace – Display our "Don’t Kid Yourself" poster in your office or community spaces to raise awareness.

Get Your World Kidney Day Supporter Materials>

At 7pm on World Kidney Day (Thursday 13 March), we’re asking everyone to shine a light on kidney disease, the amazing patients and supporters, and remember those we’ve lost. Look out for our 'I'm shining a light for World Kidney Day' post on the day and please share it with your followers to show your support. Or get ahead, and download today by clicking the images below!

And don’t forget to tag us on your social channels!

• On Facebook, tag @worldkidneydayuk and @pkdcharity
• On X, tag @kidneydayuk and @pkdcharity
• On Instagram, tag @worldkidneydayuk and @pkdcharity

Use the hashtags #KidneysMatter and #WorldKidneyDay when you share!

Let’s flood social media with kidney awareness and make some noise! Together, we can make sure everyone understands the truth about kidney disease.

About World Kidney Day?

World Kidney Day is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health, the role kidneys play in keeping us alive, and the impact kidney disease can have when kidneys aren’t working properly. It also helps educate people on symptoms and ways to improve kidney health.

World Kidney Day in the UK is coordinated by the Kidney Charities Together Group, which includes Kidney Care UK, Kidney Research UK, Kidney Wales, the National Kidney Federation, the PKD Charity, Popham Kidney Support, and the UK Kidney Association.

Let’s make a difference together this World Kidney Day!

Stay up to date with PKD Charity events, patient stories and research news as it happens by signing up for our free e-news or printed newsletter.

PLEASE DONATE