Through their amazing fundraising efforts, Danielle’s Flutterbyes has gone from strength to strength and continues to act as a vital source of support for young people suffering from kidney disease.
Their success has attracted much appreciation and recognition in the national press and locally in Nottingham, where Ruth is based. Indeed Ruth has recently been nominated for an ITV charity award: both a compliment for her personally and also acknowledgement of her dedication and that of other key supporters of the charity.
Kidney disease can result in kidney failure, which is a debilitating condition. It has no cure and life expectancy can only be prolonged through dialysis or a transplant. People receiving treatment endure invasive treatment which has a tremendous effect on their lifestyle. Dialysis is often needed for four hours a day, four days a week which has a significant impact on family life, social life and being able to work.
After supporting Danielle through her condition, Ruth decided to dedicate a significant amount of her free time to providing assistance to young people suffering with kidney disease in any way that she can. The charity has recently paid for the train journey of a kidney disease patient who couldn’t afford to go home to see her family and has also arranged a ‘fun day’ too.
Ruth comments:
‘I have found that there are quite a lot of facilities for older people who suffer from kidney disease but not much available for younger people in the same position. I am dedicated to helping youngsters in Danielle’s memory and want to achieve even more success with the charity to provide hope, support and encouragement to young kidney disease sufferers.’
Sharon Banga, Associate in Shoosmiths’s Birmingham medical negligence team, has worked with Ruth previously in pursuing concerns about the care her daughter Danielle received from the NHS and the significant delays in the diagnosis of her kidney failure by Nottingham University Hospitals Trust.
Sharon continues to support Ruth and Danielle’s Flutterbyes due to this link and is particularly interested in assisting the charity to achieve its main aim of raising awareness and educating the general public on how to spot early signs of kidney disease and generally the difficulties that are faced by young sufferers of kidney failure. Sharon has particular expertise in this area and has supported multiple other patients who have incurred similar difficulties.
Sharon explains:
‘It is so important that young kidney failure sufferers are properly supported. Whilst dealing with these types of cases, I am frequently told by my clients, their families and the nephrology (kidney function) medical experts that young sufferers often feel isolated and they struggle to cope with the condition and having to have dialysis. I have witnessed the positive effect that Danielle’s Flutterbyes can have to provide a network for younger patients and their families and is a vital source of financial and social support.’
For more information on the charity please visit the Danielle’s Flutterbyes website.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
