World Kidney Day has passed us once again. The aim has been to alert people to “protect their kidneys”. Of course all of us, as patients with some degree of kidney disease, understand that, but don’t you agree that it’s helpful to others if we can in some large or small way help to promote the issues?

I think that assisting any kidney charity in any way also helps the volunteer themselves. It gives one a purpose, it might raise the charity’s profile, it might raise funds for the charity and most importantly it feels good helping, giving some time and making an effort for others.

People can help to raise the profile or raise money in lots of innovative ways and it can so often be done within your own local community. Say a collecting tin, a raffle at an event, a stall with hand made items, a fun run - there are loads of ways to help and in turn it offers a chance to raise self-esteem, improve motivation and help feel part of something. Spring is coming - spring forward to help others