Sadly, 36% of those on the UK waiting list for a kidney transplant are Black and other minority people. Professional football legend, Andy Cole, knows what that’s like after suffering kidney failure in 2015 and has set up the Andy Cole Fund with Kidney Research UK, to help others like him.
The sporting legend is keen to raise awareness about the plight of those suffering from kidney disease. Andy was used to being a super-fit sportsman who played for England and Manchester United; infact, he has the distinction of being the third highest goal scorer in Premier League history. Since throwing in the towel, he’s taken his competitive goal-scoring outside the game and set up some new goals, this time for charity.
Working with Kidney Research UK, the Andy Cole Fund hopes to raise £500,000 over three years. The money will go towards vital research into transplants and the best ways to support patients’ mental health and wellbeing. The study will specifically look at how to create a transplant for a lifetime.
“People think a transplant is a cure, but most patients will need at least one more in their lifetime and will live with stress and anxiety that tomorrow could be the day their new kidney stops working.”
Andy received a kidney from his nephew in 2017, but while his health has greatly improved, having a transplant is not the end of the story for most people.
“People think a transplant is a cure, but most patients will need at least one more in their lifetime and will live with stress and anxiety that tomorrow could be the day their new kidney stops working. That’s why Kidney Research UK aims to create one transplant for life,” Andy said.
Explaining why he is inspired him to help others, Andy said: “I don’t want anyone to end up struggling like I did. The mental battle is bigger than the physical problem. Your mind is the most powerful thing in the world.”
Andy’s a real star on and off the pitch, and we wish him all the best.
To support patients’ mental and physical health, through donation to the Andy Cole fund, click here.
