Renal failure occurs when the kidneys fail to function properly. Normally, your kidneys work continuously to keep you alive and well. They act as filters and remove waste products from the blood and excess water from your body.

If you have renal failure chances are you will eventually need dialysis to keep you alive. There are different types of dialysis, some you can do at home, others you can only have in hospital. Dad had his 4 x a week in hospital, he would get up at 5am to be collected at 6am. His sessions would last until 11am and then he would be transported home around midday. You'll also have to watch your diet and will no doubt have a fluid restriction in place, for dad it was 500ml a day (not much, so look after your kidneys now!!)

Unlike other wards in a hospital, renal patients become part of an extended family for the medical professionals. Well you definitely do if you're John Patten!!

We can't thank the teams on Ward 407 and Renal Unit enough for all they did for dad. Since October 2013 when he started on dialysis he has experienced a number of other health complaints, including stroke, heart failure, broken bones, lung cancer and cardiac arrest. Every time he was admitted the team were there, to bring him back home to us. They cared, supported, cuddled, sang, looked after, kept a watchful eye over, provided cups of tea and helped with University extenuating circumstances forms. You name it, nothing was ever too much.

As dad's entire world, we are so grateful that he was with Ward 407 and the Renal Unit during his final days. For me as his daughter, it meant so much to see the look in people's eyes when they visited him during those final days. From retired dinner ladies, to nurses, to ambulance transport staff, to the Consultant each and every one spoke with love and respect and looked upon my dad as the legend that he is!

Please support us to raise money towards the renal treatment for other patients like dad.