“Alex is nine and lives in Peterborough. He is a very brave but very poorly little boy. Although Alex looks like any other outgoing, fun-loving child, he suffers from a rare form of kidney disease called MGPN Type II.

First diagnosed with the illness when he was just four, Alex must take medication every day. His parents also have to give him a daily injection, something which Alex finds very difficult and upsetting. As a result of the condition, Alex must endure regular haemodialysis dialysis sessions at hospital in Nottingham. These take place three days a week and last up to four hours at a time.

 He has a tube that goes into his neck, which acts as a constant reminder of how different he is and how his condition affects almost every aspect of his life. He cannot eat the same foods as his friends and is only allowed only 800ml of fluid each day.

Unless further research breakthroughs are made, Alex faces the prospect of a life on dialysis.

Researchers like Professor Tim Goodship are working hard to find better treatments for Alex’s condition. His £137,000 project is being funded by Kidney Research UK and offers hope to Alex and his family. The Charity ultimately aims to find a cure MGPN Type II, but this won’t be possible without continued funding. For more information about kidney disease and how you can support Kidney Research UK, please visit: www.kidneyresearchuk.org.”