Kidneys play a vital role in keeping the body healthy by filtering waste and balancing fluids. However, kidney disease often develops silently, with South Asian communities among those facing higher risks due to factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Raising awareness, encouraging early detection and promoting preventive care are essential to protecting kidney health.
Highlighting the importance of kidney awareness, more than 750 people joined the Kidney Research UK London Bridge Walk on 4 July 2026 to raise funds for life-saving research. Starting at Potters Field Park, participants crossed London’s iconic bridges, with the event raising £80,000 by 11 am and more donations expected.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Nirupa Patel shared how her personal experience with kidney health inspired her to support the cause. “I have kidney problems, so there is a lot of research that still needs to be done. I also have high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which can affect kidney health. That is why I wanted to support this cause, and it was encouraging to see £80,000 raised for research,” she said.
Recalling her mother’s battle with kidney failure, Nirupa said, “My mother had high blood pressure but did not get it treated, and eventually it affected her kidneys. If these conditions are not managed, they can seriously harm kidney health.” She also stressed the need for greater awareness in the South Asian community, where diabetes and high blood pressure are common risk factors.
Reflecting on the walk, Nirupa said, “It was a great experience. Volunteers were there along the route guiding and encouraging us, and it was wonderful to see everyone supporting the cause.”
For Varsha Desai, 67, the cause was deeply personal as she recalled her husband’s struggle with kidney disease. “My husband was diagnosed with diabetes at 36, and over time it affected his kidneys. His health became difficult to manage, and he passed away in 2012,” she said.
Varsha, who had explored becoming a kidney donor for her husband, added, “We were not a direct match, and although we considered a paired donation programme, he was too weak for the surgery. I still feel a sense of guilt that I could not donate my kidney to him.”
Describing the walk as a celebration of hope and community, she said, “It was wonderful to see people from the kidney community come together and share their journeys. Seeing a transplant recipient walking alongside his wife, who had donated her kidney to him, was truly heartwarming.”
Highlighting the importance of awareness, Varsha said, “More than 3 million people in the UK live with kidney disease, and rising diabetes rates are increasing the risk of kidney failure. Small lifestyle changes, along with regular exercise, can help protect kidney health. Research into early diagnosis, better treatments and a cure is vital.”
Joining the effort was Rohini Patel, whose motivation was also shaped by her family’s experience. “There is a personal connection, but it wasn’t just purely because of that. My husband was diagnosed with a single kidney, which deteriorated quickly. He underwent dialysis, received a transplant after two years, but unfortunately lost the donated kidney during the Covid period and has been back on dialysis for the past three years,” she said.
Rohini added, “Kidney disease affects not just patients but their families as well. I wanted to support research and raise awareness, hoping efforts like these can improve treatments and bring us closer to a cure.”
Describing the walk as an inspiring experience, she said, “It was wonderful to see kidney patients, families, supporters and charity workers come together. People from different backgrounds shared their stories and supported the cause.”
Rohini raised £1,403 for Kidney Research UK, while another friend raised around £600. “Seeing people of all ages come together with such hope and determination was truly inspiring,” she said, adding that the event raised £80,000 on the day.
