Michelle O’Neill, of Farnborough, Orpington is holding a fundraiser for the charity Kidney Care UK after her son was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called c3 Glomerulopathy. The Family Funday and Festival will take place on 28 July from 12noon until 10.30pm at the Park House Football Club Rugby Ground in Hayes, Bromley.
Michelle's son Josh, was diagnosed with the disease three years ago when he was 21. There is no cure for the disease and Josh is nearing end stage renal failure at just 24 years of age. Michelle is hoping to donate one of her kidneys to Josh and has set up this event to help raise awareness of kidney disease, and raise money for Kidney Care UK.
Michelle says: “When Josh was diagnosed I was utterly horrified, as any parent would be, as I knew nothing about kidney disease. Kidney Care UK has been amazing in their care and support for Josh and our family and we are truly grateful. We have been welcomed as part of their support group of kidney warriors who are always happy to answer any worries or fears and I wanted to give something back to the charity who have supported us so well.”
Caroline Young works as the Kidney Care UK Advocacy Officer for the South East of England and has supported the family, comments: “Our team of Advocacy Officers are spread across the UK and last year we helped 1,000 people just like Michelle and Josh. We believe that no-one should face kidney disease alone and we’re delighted that Michelle has chosen to show her appreciation through this event. It sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful day and we will be there to provide information and advice to anyone who needs it.”
The event will have live music performances – with something for everyone, including blues, jazz, calypso, reggae, rock and Britpop - as well as children’s activities to keep younger visitors busy including an entertainment teepee and bouncy castle. There will also be games and a raffle as well as a number of food stalls, ice creams and a bar.
Michelle adds: “When you’re in despair dealing with the devastating blow of a loved one having a chronic disease and then you’re faced with all these life issues surrounding that, having people like Caroline is priceless. I can’t put a value on what she has done for us as a family, but I wanted to hold a fundraiser so that the charity can continue to do such amazing work and so that other families like ours can receive such life-changing support.”
Tickets are £10 per adult, and £2 for children under 16. You can buy tickets for the event via Facebook