Announcing the Passing of Tess Harris: A Tribute to Her Enduring Legacy in the Fight Against PKD
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved CEO, Tess (Teresa) Harris, who peacefully passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68.
Tess began her journey as a tireles...
Who's Your Kidney Hero?
For World Kidney Day this year, alongside sharing crucial kidney facts and statistics, we're celebrating the unsung heroes who've been with us through thick and thin.
Whether your kidney Hero is ...
The benefits and risks of a ketogenic diet for ADPKD from the KETO-ADPKD Study
Studies in animal models of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) showed in 2019 that a ketogenic diet may have positive effects on cystic kidneys. Ketogenic diets are low in carbohy...
Professor Patricia Wilson and the PKD BioResource Bank
Professor Wilson is an honorary Professor of Medicine at University College London leading research into polycystic kidney diseases and renal development. She is also a PKD Charity trustee.
“Af...
Keto diets in ADPKD – what are they and do they work?
Keto diets are a hot topic in the PKD community. What are these diets and how much evidence is there that they work?
Many people with PKD are keen to do all they can to slow kidney damage and s...
ARPKD animated information video
Paediatric nephrologists at Evelina London Children's Hospital are in the process of creating an animated information video to help children (Aged approx. 8-10yrs) and their families learn more abo...
"People think I'm pregnant, but I've got an incurable disease"
In the 12 years since 48-year-old Katie was diagnosed with PKD, her kidneys have grown so large she is frequently asked "When's it due?" or "Boy or girl?" by people who innocently assume that she’s...
The Dawn of the Artificial Kidney
Artificial kidneys may sound like something from a science fiction movie, but these ground-breaking new treatments are currently being designed and tested across the globe.
These scientific adv...
Lab-grown ‘mini kidneys’ for testing PKD treatments
We interview Professor Patricia Wilson, Trustee of the PKD Charity and Curator of the PKD BioResource, to find out more about new research into the use of lab-grown ‘mini kidneys’ to find new treat...
Vitamin A and ARPKD links uncovered in study
Research supported by the PKD Charity has uncovered links between vitamin A and ARPKD, which might lead to possible treatments in future.
What does vitamin A do?
Our bodies use vitamin A in a ...
21k Challenge Hall of Fame – Spring addition
A BIG thank you to all our wonderful supporters that took part in the 21k Challenge in April and May 2021 and raised a whopping £8,300 for PKD Charity. Our largest amount of money raised in this ch...
Domenico - London to Italy
PKD patient - Domenico Sprovier - takes on a challenge of lifetime this Summer by cycling from London to Calabria, Italy in support of PKD Charity and AIRP - Associazione Italiana Rene Policis...
Defining progression of ADPKD and tolvaptan efficacy
One of the problems when managing ADPKD patients is that there is a wide variation in how quickly the disease progresses. Even if we know the gene (PKD-1 or PKD-2) and type of mutation responsible,...
In Sickness And In Health
As we all rallied to raise awareness of kidneys and kidney health for World Kidney Day, and Salt Awareness in March, we shared the story of one devoted husband who gave the biggest gift of all...
Triumph Over Adversity...
What do you do when you’re diagnosed with an incurable disease and discover there’s nowhere to turn for information and support?
The solution for one PKD patient was to set up a charity!
To ...
Volunteer Stories – Annie Smart
Our volunteers are crucial in helping us change lives. The roles are varied – from organising and hosting Meetups, volunteering at our Information Days, supporting our online communities and much m...
'Ride It! 2020’ for PKD Research
On 18th July, David Morris took on an incredible challenge, and cycled 1000 miles within 24 hours for PKD Charity in honour of his friend with polycystic kidney disease.
Here, David tells us wh...
2020 Thank you for taking on the PKD 20k Challenge The Insurance Surgery!
This summer Chris Pullan from The Insurance Surgery went the distance and took part in the PKD 20k Challenge by taking on two rides and clocking in a seriously impressive 67.85 miles!
Chris too...
2020 Raise donations for PKD Charity when you shop with EasyFundraising
Easyfundraising turns your everyday online shopping into free donations for PKD Charity.
How? Just start your online shopping at easyfundraising, then shop as normal at any one of their 4,200 r...
MarTech Tracker run their first company half marathon for PKD Charity!
On 29th March, Suzy Dunsford, Tim Nagle and Emma Laing from MarTech Tracker will be taking part in their first company half marathon - the London Landmarks Half Marathon for PKD Charity....
Pioneering study of blood pressure in children and young people at risk of ADPKD
Professor Paul Winyard and colleagues have received a grant from Kidney Research UK to study blood pressure in children and young people at risk of ADPKD (autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disea...
James Sandifier's story
On 25th January James Sandifier is organising a 10k Run in Bushy Park as a tribute to his late Dad and in support for his brothers for PKD Charity.
Here, James tells us what prompted him to tak...
Organoids - the human kidney structures grown in a lab
Researchers at the University of Washington, USA, have developed techniques to grow kidney structures in the lab. They can even make kidney tubules with polycystic kidney disease. We caught up...
Taylor Richards - ARPKD PhD student
I am excited to have been awarded a PhD studentship, co-funded by the PKD charity and I can’t wait to start working on this 3-year project on the ‘Molecular Mechanisms of the Fibrocystin-ATMIN inte...
Philippa takes on her first Marathon for PKD
On 8th April Philippa Harpham is running her first ever marathon and it’s all for the PKD Charity.
Here, Philippa tells us what prompted her to take on 26.2 miles:
“I am fundraising for this C...
Matthew takes on the London Marathon for PKD
Matthew Smart is one of two lucky runners to receive a PKD Charity place in this year's Virgin London Marathon.
Here, Matthew tells us about his reasons for running for PKD:
"My reasons for ru...
Deb the Donor gives Elaine a second chance at life
As the proud owner of a donated kidney I have a story to tell.
My family illness
Towards the end of 197,4 Mum went to the doctors with what she thought might be a hernia. Looking back, it is s...
Mike takes on the London Marathon for PKD
Mike is one of two runners with a PKD Charity place in the 2018 London Marathon. Here Mike tells us what prompted him to take on such a big challenge for PKD.
"I am an active 29 year old who lo...
RaDaR Conference on Rare Disease Day 2018
I was very pleased to accompany our very own Tess and Carol (a fellow PKD patient) to the National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) conference held in honour of World Rare Disease Day 2018 ...
We walked a mile in green for PKD
Kay and her family are passionate about raising awareness and funds for the PKD Charity. Kay tells us about a recent event she helped organise at her children's primary school, Chase Terrace.
...