While few of us have heard of it, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a life threatening inherited disease that affects up to an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide.

PKD is characterised by the formation of large, fluid filled cysts that grow on the kidneys. These cysts can cause a person’s kidneys to painfully swell to dangerous sizes which may result in long term pain and kidney failure, ultimately requiring a kidney transplant which can be a risky and painful procedure. Sadly PKD can result in early death in babies and children.

Currently there is no cure for PKD and limited treatment available. Despite being one of the most common causes of kidney disease and having a profound impact on people’s lives, the lack of awareness surrounding PKD is still a key issue and funding for research is limited.