On World Kidney Cancer Day last Thursday 20th June, Lydia Kigozi and Sharon Kell were delighted to be invited to attend a coffee and cake afternoon at Basildon University Hospital organised by Mr Ramachandran Ravi, consultant urologist, in aid of World Kidney Cancer Day.

Around 40 patients, carers, family members and friends came along to the coffee and cake afternoon to learn more about kidney cancer and its treatment from the doctors and nurses at the event, and to share their success stories and experiences.

Mr Ravi, consultant urologist said, “It’s important that we raise awareness surrounding kidney cancer as it affects so many people. This celebration had a great turn out and patients were able to relate to each other and share their experiences.”

Norma Collins, a previous kidney patient said, “I was operated on by Mr Ravi and his team and they were fantastic. I came in with an unexplained bleed and was really worried about what it could be.

“After being seen I was reassured and the period between being diagnosed to operation and recovery was less than eight weeks – it was quicker than going private. I want to thank all the staff and team who helped me during my stay – you really saved my life.”

The event was held in aid of World Kidney Cancer Day to get people talking about kidney cancer. We received £50 in donations during the afternoon. A very big THANK YOU to all involved, in particular Mr Ravi and his team for organising the event.

This was a fantastic opportunity for KCSN to not only raise awareness of kidney cancer, but to promote the work of the charity and to build a working relationship with the team at Basildon Hospital.

Please contact Rose or Julia for support, information or a friendly person to chat to on our confidential helpline 01209 890326, or join our closed FaceBook group to meet and chat with over 1000 kidney cancer patients and carers.