Peterborough councillor pledges support to local Kidney Research UK initiative
City councillor for Paston and Walton, Alex Rafiq, is rallying support for a new project aiming to stem the rising tide of kidney disease in Peterborough, after facing health challenges within his own family.
Kidney disease prevalence in Peterborough
Over 18,000 people in the city are estimated to be living with kidney disease, though many are unaware they have the condition. If kidney failure is not prevented, it can have devastating consequences, leaving people reliant on an exhausting dialysis routine and needing a kidney transplant.
It is estimated that by 2033, the number of people in Peterborough needing dialysis to stay alive could increase nearly four-fold, taking the annual cost of the disease on the local economy from over £17m to almost £36m.
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity are all at increased risk of developing kidney disease, while those from ethnic minority communities and lower socio-economic groups are disproportionately affected.
The Peterborough Project
The Kidney Research UK Peterborough Project has identified that Eastern European and South Asian communities in the city are particularly at risk. The project will train ‘peer educator’ volunteers from these communities to help raise awareness of kidney health and the importance of detecting kidney disease at an earlier stage. It is hoped that the project will serve as a pilot for similar schemes across the UK.
Councillor Alex Rafiq says: “Supporting at-risk communities and prioritising early diagnosis is vital to stopping kidney disease in its tracks. That’s why I’m getting behind Kidney Research UK’s Peterborough Project to help people understand their health and access the right care at an early stage. Preventing people from developing kidney disease and protecting their kidney function will save lives.”
Motivated by family and community
Spurred on to make a difference for local communities by his own family’s experiences, Alex says: “My youngest sister has duplex kidneys, and I remember as a child, she used to wake up in the night in hot sweats. Memories of her in hospital still stick with me today. Thankfully, being aware of her condition has meant she has been able to manage it with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
“We have several health problems within our family, and I know there are cultural, religious and lingual barriers to receiving healthcare. In Peterborough we have such a diverse community and it’s vital we reach everyone, as kidney disease affects us all.
Prevention is better than cure
“Prevention is better than cure, so it’s important to keep an eye on our health. You can get so busy with work and family that it’s easy to neglect. I didn’t realise I had high blood pressure myself until a test at a community event last year. Thankfully that has given me the opportunity to change my lifestyle before things get any worse. I’m eating a better diet and have been trying to exercise more to stay well.
“It’s important to me that we take steps in our local communities to ensure everyone has access to healthcare. Some people can be too proud to visit their doctor, so getting out into the community to raise awareness and offer simple blood pressure tests can be really impactful. That’s why I’ve helped open a chemist in our local community centre and supported pop-up events in our area since I was elected.
“You get to know lots of local people and build friendships as a councillor, so it’s really upsetting when you see people’s health decline. I’m passionate about doing everything I can to protect health in our communities and ensure people get the support they need. I’ve been a supporter of Kidney Research UK for many years and want to help in any way I can.”
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