Mum faces SIX YEAR wait for kidney transplant

Ayesha Edmondson is on a crusade to change her own life and hundreds of others.

Twenty three years ago, at the age of 25, during her first pregnancy, she developed kidney problems. The disease she was diagnosed with has taken a huge toll on her and her family.

A transplant is her best hope of taking back the life she once led. For 12 months she has campaigned to find a living donor for herself and to highlight the need across the region. But due to her ethnicity and the culture within it she may have to wait up to six years for a transplant.

Ayesha, a mother, of two, is one of 254 people in Greater Manchester waiting for a kidney transplant.

"I was able to lead a normal life up to stage 3b Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). As I hit stage 4 everything changed. My fatigue is awful. Also, having been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia to add to my list of chronic conditions, I've had to retire from my 30 year career in retail. It had affected my mental health.

"It’s heartbreaking. But I am having to adjust to the new way of life, living as though we are in Covid restrictions all the time, as my immune system is compromised. I miss being able to have a work life balance and friends. It is difficult as friends don’t actually truly understand the effects of my condition to my entire life."

Ayesha has not started dialysis yet.

"I need a transplant, although my condition can occur in a new kidney. I am looking for a living donor, whilst on waiting list", she added.

"Both my kidneys are damaged, so a transplant, preferably a living donor one is more suitable for me. My condition is Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). It’s rare condition but not totally uncommon. Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities tend to suffer from