KIDNEY RESEARCH UK has launched a new dedicated online forum specially created to give people living with kidney disease and the families and carers who support them a safe and supportive space to talk, learn from each other and share experiences. 

Shaped with help from Welsh patients, the forum offers a dedicated community space for the more than 377,000 people in Wales thought to be living with kidney disease. 

Free to use, the new forum, called Kidney Community, creates a single, safe space where people can connect with others who understand their experiences, ask questions, share practical advice and find support, no matter what stage of the kidney disease journey they are at. 

Kidney Community is open to kidney patients at all stages of the disease, people with a higher risk of developing it, and anyone affected by a diagnosis in their family or friendship groups. 

The forum will be continually supported by Kidney Research UK’s team, helping to ensure discussions are informed, respectful and grounded in trusted information. It has been co-developed with kidney patients and carers to ensure it reflects real needs, concerns and priorities. 

Darren Daniel from Ammanford in southwest Wales helped with the forum’s development. Diagnosed with kidney disease in 2017, Darren has used social media, including TikTok, to raise awareness of kidney health and the realities of living with long-term illness. His experience of connecting with others helped inform the development of the forum. 

Darren said: “When I started sharing my kidney journey online, I saw just how many people were desperate for somewhere to talk honestly about what they were going through. Helping shape this forum felt like a natural next step – making sure it’s real, accessible and driven by the questions people actually ask, not medical jargon.” 

“This forum takes that sense of community and gives it a safe home, backed by Kidney Research UK. It means people don’t have to scroll endlessly or rely on misinformation. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into treatment, there’s power in knowing others understand your day-to-day reality, and that support is only a conversation away.” 

Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said: “Many people affected by kidney disease tell us they feel unsure where to turn for support. This forum brings patients and carers together in one place, so they can feel heard as part of a community, with access to information and shared experience at every stage of kidney disease. We are providing a safe, welcoming space where every question and every story matters.” 

The launch builds on Kidney Research UK’s long-standing commitment to ensuring the voices of patients and families help shape research, services and support. Existing supporters, volunteers and members of the charity’s Kidney Voices for Research network were among the first invited to join. 

The forum is now live and free to access at kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org  

SWIMMERS plunged into the freezing waters at West Angle Bay on New Year’s Day to raise thousands of pounds for local hospice care, as the annual Angle Dip returned with one of its most successful events yet.

The 2026 dip raised £2,694.36 for the Paul Sartori Foundation, helping fund free hospice-at-home services for families across the county.

Crowds gathered along the sands at West Angle Bay to cheer on participants, with a mix of seasoned dippers and first-timers taking to the sea in fancy dress and wetsuits for the traditional New Year challenge. Despite the icy conditions, spirits remained high, with supporters lining the beach to clap, shout encouragement and donate.

Organisers said the event once again highlighted the strong community support behind the charity and its work.

A number of local businesses and groups helped make the day possible, including Wavecrest Café, The Hibernia Inn, KJ Prints, Cwtch Laser Designs, Communic8, Axon, Pembrokeshire Paddlers, and a team of volunteers from the foundation.

Every penny raised will go towards providing practical and emotional support for people living with life-limiting illness. The charity offers hands-on nursing care, equipment hire, complementary therapies, advance care planning and bereavement support, enabling patients to remain at home with loved ones at the end of life.

Joanne Lutwyche, Event and Fundraising Officer for the Paul Sartori Foundation and founder of the Angle New Year’s Day Dip, said: “This year’s dip was absolutely brilliant. The energy on the beach, the support from the community and the bravery of every single dipper made this one of our best years yet.

“I am so grateful to everyone who turns up, volunteers, donates and shouts encouragement from the sidelines. Events like this have a direct impact on our clinical team, allowing them to continue providing essential care to people with life-limiting illness in their own homes. I could not be prouder of what our community achieved together.”

For details of upcoming events or to volunteer, visit the Paul Sartori Foundation website or email [email protected].

Family thank Cardiff children’s hospital charity as figures show thousands of visits each year from Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy from Aberaeron who spent months unable to walk after a rare neurological illness has returned home and back to school following specialist treatment at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales.

Lewis was diagnosed last year with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, leaving him temporarily paralysed and unable to walk.

He spent seven months as an inpatient at the children’s hospital in Cardiff, missing Christmas at home while undergoing intensive treatment and daily physiotherapy.

Today, one year on from his diagnosis, Lewis is back in school and rebuilding his strength.

But the return to normal life has brought mixed emotions.

His mum Lizzie said: “We knew this day would eventually come. Lewis woke up feeling sad, but also happy. Happy he’s come so far, happy he’s beating Guillain-Barré syndrome and really happy to be back in school with friends. But on the flip side, he was really sad.

“He misses the hospital. He misses Bechan, the ward counsellor he played with often and had the best chats with. He misses Polly, the play specialist who took Lewis on adventures around the hospital every day. He misses Emily and Morgan from the charity, who used to make us laugh so much. I knew he would miss Noah’s Ark when we got home, because although it was hard, it wasn’t all bad thanks to all these people.”

Thousands travel from West Wales

Figures supplied by the charity show just how many families from West Wales depend on the Cardiff hospital for specialist care not available locally.

During 2025 alone there were:

• 648 patient visits from Pembrokeshire
• 227 from Ceredigion
• 901 from Carmarthenshire
• 848 from Neath
• 1,380 from Swansea

That amounts to more than 4,000 visits from the wider region in a single year.

Across Wales, around 90,000 children receive treatment at the hospital annually.

The charity helps fund new and innovative medical equipment and facilities, supports families with emotional wellbeing services, and provides play specialists who help make long hospital stays less frightening for young patients.

It also offers practical support such as meals and comfort items for parents sleeping at their child’s bedside.

Giving something back

Inspired by the care Lewis received, his swimming teacher Martienus decided to give something back by walking from Aberaeron to Cardiff, raising £5,670.78 for the charity.

The money helped provide hot meals for parents spending Christmas Day in hospital — something Lewis’ family say can make a huge difference during the toughest moments.

Lizzie added: “Lewis’ journey shows not only his strength but also the difference a little kindness and support can make for families facing tough times.”

For more information or to support the charity, visit noahsarkcharity.org