News
Silverstone Festival partnership to accelerate research We’ll be hitting the road this summer to drive forward awareness of kidney disease, thanks to a new partnership with Silverstone Festival.
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Research boost As Covid hit, together with other members of the Association of Medical Research Charities we sought support from Government to step in to address the massive impact of diverting funds and resources away from ongoing, vital research, to fighting the pandemic. So much work, development and potential had to go on hold. Work that could have improved kidney patients’ lives has been delayed by years, and our research community continues to play catch up today. We are delighted to have been awarded £963,000 through the UK Government Covid Medical Research Charity Fund. We previously received support through this fund in 2021 and 2022, but this is by far the largest Government contribution to helping renal research move forward since the pandemic began.
Kidney Research UK has been selected to be the official charity partner for the 2023 festival, meaning we’ll be taking the message about the critical importance of kidneys and research to more than 100,000 festival goers over the August bank holiday weekend. In addition to supporting important fundraising, the festival will highlight the work we’re doing to support those living with kidney disease and to accelerate the development of new and improved treatments.
The event will host the very best of historic motorsport and huge displays of classic cars, plus three nights of live music, and a packed programme of family fun. A range of tickets are available, including camping options and this year’s festival will be particularly special with the celebrations of Silverstone’s 75th anniversary. To book, visit: www.silverstone.co.uk/events/ silverstone-festival
It is only thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters that we can fund vital research now and into the future. Covid created exceptional circumstances, and we are glad the Government recognised the need to step in and help bridge the gap created by the pandemic. We have never had Government funding on this scale before and there are no guarantees that we ever will again. Meanwhile, we are grateful to all the supporters who enable our vital work to continue long term.
New book prepares youngsters for transplant Young kidney patients at both Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and Glasgow Children’s Hospital are benefitting from a new book designed to help youngsters prepare for their kidney transplant. Designed in collaboration with publisher Get Better Books, the playful, interactive book shows what to expect in the lead up to and after their operation using a fun approach to alleviate anxiety.
The ‘My New Kidney’ book encourages recipients to colour, comment, write questions, draw and stick things in – creating important engagement so families can explore the transplant process together. Kidney Research UK has joined with both Alder Hey Children’s Charity and the James Weir Foundation to fund bespoke versions of the books, which reflect the hospital in which the children receive their treatment.
kidney disease ends here.