A Cambridge couple who met while undergoing dialysis treatment has called on the government to improve care for kidney patients and protect them from cardiovascular disease. Lee and Kacey Farrington, who married earlier this year, met at Cambridge Dialysis Centre in 2022 and have since become advocates for better support and targeted testing for kidney patients.
Lee, 49, has had a tumultuous experience with kidney disease, having two heart attacks while undergoing dialysis. His first heart attack in 2023 required a stent, and his second, in late 2025, was more serious, requiring a triple heart bypass. His partner, Kacey, 45, has also had to navigate the challenges of kidney disease, with 30 years of illness leaving her worried about her own heart health.
The couple's experience highlights the need for better care and support for kidney patients, who are six times more likely to experience a major heart attack or stroke. Kidney Research UK estimates that around 20,000 kidney patients die from heart problems each year. The government's new cardiovascular disease strategy, unveiled on 7 July, recognises the link between heart disease and kidney disease and pledges to expand targeted testing to identify people with undiagnosed chronic kidney disease.
Sir Stephen Powis, a trustee of Kidney Research UK and former medical director of NHS England, said: 'This strategy has the once-in-a-generation potential to save thousands of kidney patients' lives. But it is now crucial that GPs are properly resourced and supported to deliver these vital changes, including improved access to life-saving treatments.'
The Farringtons' story serves as a stark reminder of the need for better care and support for kidney patients. With the government's new strategy in place, it is essential that GPs are equipped to deliver targeted testing and access to life-saving treatments. This could make a significant difference for kidney patients, putting less strain on their bodies and saving lives.