Our History
1976 – The Beginning
In May 1976, the charity was established as the Dialysis Unit Fund, Manchester Royal Infirmary, with a mission to enhance the care and support available to renal patients.
Founding Trustees:
- Professor Sir Netar Mallick
- Mr John Irlam
- Professor Ian Briercliffe Houston
- Mr Neil Bradley
Later that year, in November 1976, Dr Bob Johnson joined the trustee board, strengthening the charity’s leadership at its earliest stage.
1977 – Expanding Our Reach
As support for renal services grew, the charity was renamed the Manchester Royal Infirmary and Booth Hall Renal Unit Fund, reflecting its commitment to patients across a wider network of services.
1984 – A New Identity
The charity adopted the name MRI Renal Unit Trust Fund, a transition that was fully established by around 1988.
During this period, the charity funded a wide range of projects, including patient welfare initiatives, staff education, research programmes and specialist equipment that was often unavailable through routine NHS budgets.
Supporting Excellence in Renal Care
Throughout its history, the charity has invested in:
- Ground-breaking research and specialist research equipment
- Medical books, journals and educational resources
- Professional training, travel grants and conference attendance for renal colleagues
- Patient support initiatives and festive gifts for patients (delete this please)
- Essential equipment (outside of the NHS remit)
2004 – Becoming Kidneys for Life
In 2004, the charity became Kidneys for Life fundraising for Manchester Institute of Nephrology and Transplantation, adopting a more accessible public identity while continuing to support world-class renal services and research.
2015 – Strengthening Regional Partnerships
In 2015, the charity welcomed trustees from Salford Royal, broadening the expertise and remit of Kidneys for Life. Their involvement marked an important step in the charity’s evolution, helping to strengthen partnerships across the region and supporting our growing ambition to improve the lives of kidney patients throughout the North West.
2023 – A New Chapter
The appointment of trustees from Preston Hospital marked another important step in the charity’s growth, broadening its representation and extending its impact across the region.
Reflecting its growing ambitions, the charity dropped “fundraising for Manchester Institute of Nephrology and Transplantation ” from its name and expanded its geographical reach beyond Manchester.
Today, Kidneys for Life supports kidney patients, families, healthcare professionals and research initiatives across the North West of England.
Today
From a small hospital-based fund established in 1976, Kidneys for Life has grown into a leading regional charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by kidney disease. For five decades, the charity has funded innovation, education, research and patient support, helping to transform renal care and create better outcomes for thousands of people. With our commitment to enhancing patient wellbeing, we work collaboratively with fellow renal charities and partner organisations, ensuring that together we can achieve the greatest possible impact for the kidney community.
This success would not have been possible without the dedication of the many trustees, past and present, who have generously given their time, expertise and leadership to shape the charity’s direction, uphold its values and ensure it continues to deliver on its charitable aims. This has helped build a strong foundation that enables Kidneys for Life to make a lasting difference to kidney patients and their families across the North West.