"This is me and my daughter Annabelle. She’s nine and was born with polycystic kidneys. I want to prove to her that kidney disease should never hold you back"
Emma was 15 when she was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. Now 41, her kidney function is almost at an end and she is just about to start dialysis. Single mum to Annabelle 9, who also has kidney disease, she is both excited and frightened to see restrictions ease.
When Emma realised she was too unwell to continue with her full-time role in sales she decided she wanted to use her experiences to help others and took the decision to train as a counsellor. She couldn’t afford to make this change alone and started applying for funding.
"Everyone – and I mean everyone – said 'no'. But after 50 people said 'no', Kidney Care UK said 'yes' – and gave me a grant. They didn’t just claim to care, they did. And that 'yes' changed everything."
That 'yes' gave me hope that I was doing the right thing. That it was worth it. That I was worth it”
So despite all my health worries, I have something really positive to look forward to. And it’s so important that I show Annabelle that, despite COVID-19 and kidney disease, our lives can still move forward.”