This is in memory of Eustace Hurtault who died Wednesday 30 January 2013. Here is his story:

Eustace’s initiation into the kidney world came 30 years ago at the age of 30 when he was diagnosed as having end stage renal failure. Basically without starting dialysis almost immediately he wouldn`t have survived the month. Dialysis is a life saver but is an unnatural assault on the body. When your kidneys are working they work 24 hours a day filtering out the toxins from your body. Dialysis filters out these poisons 3 times a week for 4 hours at a time so as you can imagine it is a very aggressive but necessary treatment. Eustace was on dialysis for 3 and half years when he was lucky enough to have a kidney transplant. This lasted 10 years and he made the most of the freedom it gave him. When this transplant failed, Eustace returned to dialysis. After 6 years of dialysis, he got the call to say a kidney match had again become available. Unfortunately, this transplant was plagued with problems from the start and he was back on dialysis again within 2 years. Eustace had been back on dialysis for 8 years.

Kidney failure is a condition, which always stays with you. A transplant is the best treatment but offers no guarantees. Eustace had to live his life around his illness and make the most of the days when he felt reasonably well.

The Kidney association is made up of a group of people who volunteer their time and energy for the benefit of kidney patients. They hold information days for people who are identified as pre-dialysis to try to prepare them for the future - information is power. They organise social events for kidney patients including their families and carers. They represent kidney patients in politics to ensure that their needs in the health service are heard. They also have local support groups and a dedicated help line. Fundraising is an important on on-going process to keep the association running.

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