It was April 2016 that we welcomed our second gorgeous boy Wilfred Edward George into the world. He was simply perfect, just like our then nearly 2 year old, Henry Arthur James. At that point we knew nothing about kidney disease. That changed though when Wilfie was 2 weeks old and was admitted to hospital with a urine infection. Following discharge after 6 days, he developed further fevers and a few weeks later he had a urine/kidney infection and urosepsis. The hospital stays, iv antibiotics, appointments, scans, invasive tests etc became part of our life and Wilfie was quickly diagnosed with Kidney dysplasia, bilateral grade 5 vesicoureteral reflux, kidney scarring and reduced kidney function. Henry was discussed at consultant appointments and following tests was similarly diagnosed a couple of months later, albeit not as severely and with no symptoms.

That’s the thing with Kidney disease - it doesn’t always have symptoms and although three million people have it in the UK now, only one million know they have it. Raising awareness of kidney disease is therefore imperative and could affect any one of us at any time. 

So in short, kidney disease is now something that affects us as a family and will always affect us. We are incredibly lucky to have received diagnosis and as a result day-to-day the boys are both stable and well, but this can change. They are both monitored closely and always will be. Many kidney disease sufferers are not so lucky. 

The research and support that Kidney Research UK do and provide is invaluable. They aim to find better treatments, and ultimately cures for kidney diseases. For our boys and the other 2,999,997 people out there, this could be life changing.

To raise awareness and money for this charity now close to our hearts, Bri has decided to cycle the Prudential Ride 100 and the four of us will be walking The Kidney Research London Bridges - approximately 7 miles - With a 2 and 4 year old, 7 miles  is hardcore! 😂  

We will train proudly in our purple #teamkidney tshirts and would greatly appreciate any donations that you can spare for this important charity. 

Thanks so much in advance,

Team Noble xxx