As part of Kidney Cancer Awareness Week (2–6 February 2026), we are sharing this lived experience from a patient who has faced both kidney cancer and breast cancer. Their story highlights the importance of charity support, early diagnosis, and the impact of organisations such as Kidney Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

This piece is shared in the patient’s own words.

My Diagnosis and Early Days

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass...it’s about learning to dance in the rain”.

My storm began in April 2025 with the diagnosis of kidney cancer, and a short while later in July, breast cancer.

Probably like many before me, and many to come, I didn’t eat or sleep much after that initial diagnosis. For a few seconds each morning on waking, you forget, and then reality hits, and for many weeks it was a case of, “ Dear food I miss you, yours sincerely, taste buds”.

It really is, as many have told me, a club you just don’t want to be a member of. I fell down many a Google rabbit hole, until I discovered Kidney Cancer UK, and it’s wonderful online Patient Support Group.

The impact that this Charity had on me was immense. My glass half empty, changed to half full.

Finding Support Through Kidney Cancer UK

Unfortunately the NHS felt that they were unable to provide any counselling for me in those early days, but Kidney Cancer UK stepped up to the mark and gave me free sessions of counselling prior to me having my left kidney removed, and also afterwards. I will add in Macmillan Cancer Support,  and a wonderful lady Rosa who works out of The Royal Marsden, also provided some free counselling sessions.

Kidney Cancer UK have been there for me every step of the way on my kidney cancer journey, not only with counselling, but advice, treatments, therapies, gifts, and it’s support group.

For this particular “Lived Experience” I am singling Kidney Cancer UK out, but of course Macmillan and it’s advice line and centre at East Surrey Hospital, have been a life line at times for me.

I think most of us know that Charities play a significant,and essential role, in supporting the NHS, by filling gaps and enhancing services in various ways. It’s not just patient’s that benefit, they also provide practical and emotional support to the NHS workforce. In short, they are a vital layer of support, driven by donations and volunteers.

Kidney Cancer Awareness Week and Green Friday

I will never be able to thank Kidney Cancer UK enough for the support they have given both me and my family. Albeit in a small way, I hope writing something like this will help to promote the work that they do.

The 2^nd to 6^th February 2026 is Kidney Cancer Awareness Week. On Friday 6^th, the Charity is aiming to turn the UK Green for “ Green Friday” marking the powerful finale of Kidney Cancer Awareness Week.

Wearing green clothing or ribbons, lighting up landmarks, sharing stories on social media, fundraising. Of great importance, it is also an opportunity to educate friends, family, colleagues on the symptoms of Kidney Diagnosis. As with any cancer, early diagnosis improves outcomes.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

I consider myself lucky to live in Sussex, near to the Ashdown Forest, “Winnie The Pooh Land”.

There are many Winnie The Pooh quotes, but this is one I am going to use. “Piglet noticed that although he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude”.

My gratitude goes to all those in Kidney Cancer UK, The Kidney Cancer UK Support Group, The Surgery Team at East Surrey Hospital, and the Oncology Team at East Surrey. Last but not least, at times it has been a bumpy experience, but my gratitude also goes to the Team at Modality Mid Sussex, with a special mention for Dr Umar Malik, whose compassion and genuine care has made a significant difference on my cancer journey.

Finally, “when life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles”. A Winnie The Pooh Quote that suggests that even in less than ideal circumstances, you can find hope and joy.

Life is very different for me now, and a lot of things have come out in the open. I am however  back jumping in those puddles when it rains now. Even more so because my granddaughter Penelope/Nelly was born on the 15th March 2025, a little young to be wearing wellies, but it won't be long before she does, and we can both have fun on the Ashdown Forest.

To all Patient’s on the PPG, your journey is not the same as mine, my journey is not the same as yours, but if we meet on a certain path, may we encourage each other.

Support your Patient Participation Group, they need your support as well!

Rosie