M&S Fforest-fach

The Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales is a cause based in Swansea, supports all Renal Patients in Wales and that includes Children and Youths with Renal Failure. There are around 10.000 people with renal disease in Wales and many more at risk from this disease. Renal disease is the reduced ability of the kidney to carry out the following functions in the long-term: Maintain blood pressure; Maintain the correct levels of chemicals in our bodies which, in turn, helps our heart and muscles to function properly; Produce a type of vitamin D that keeps bones healthy; and Produce a substance called erythropoietin, which helps stimulate production of red blood cells. Renal disease is often caused by the strain placed on the kidneys by other conditions, most commonly diabetes and high blood pressure. Renal disease is common and mainly associated with ageing. It is estimated that about one in five men and one in four women between the ages of 65 and 74 has some degree of renal disease. There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, although treatment can slow or halt the progression of the disease and can prevent other serious conditions developing. People with renal disease are known to have an increased risk of a heart attack because of changes that occur to the circulation. In a minority of people, renal disease may cause kidney failure, also known as established renal failure (ERF) or end-stage kidney disease. In this situation, the usual functions of the kidney stops working. To survive, people with ERF may need to have artificial kidney treatment, called dialysis, or a kidney transplant. Being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease is very worrying for the individual and the family unit. Our project will help children and youths with chronic kidney disease to take part in an annual activity weekend where they learn to self manage their treatments while learning that they can lead a normal life - that their illness does not have to define them. The activity weekend encourages the children to learn different outdoor activities, to work in a team socialising with their peers. This weekend has far reaching effects, it lifts the patients self esteem, giving them confidence to believe in themselves while encouraging them to take part in different team building activities.

FOYD is a Swansea based charity. We provide a centre for the young disabled and other members of the community to meet and use our facilities to promote learning opportunities, engage in social activities and have fun. Friends of the Young Disabled helps children, young people, and people with disabilities. Our education and training opportunities give members of our community the chance to pursue new and exciting interests. For example, they can take part in arts and amateur sport events.