Life-Saving Dialysis at Home – Help Me Create a Safe Treatment Space

My life is now depending on dialysis, and I am trying to prepare my home so I can safely carry out this life-sustaining treatment every single day.

Hi, my name is Charlie.

I’ve been living with kidney disease since I was a baby. I was born with bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, a condition where the valves between the kidneys and bladder do not function properly. This caused urine and toxins to flow back into my kidneys, leading to severe and irreversible damage, including grade 5 renal scarring.

I underwent a kidney transplant at just 18 years old, which gave me a second chance at life. Sadly, that transplant is now failing, and I am now facing going back onto the transplant list.

In the meantime, I will need to begin peritoneal dialysis (CAPD or APD), which is a life-sustaining treatment used in end-stage chronic kidney disease when the kidneys are no longer able to remove toxins and excess fluid from the body.

This type of dialysis works by using the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) as a natural filter. A catheter is placed into my abdomen, and a sterile dialysis fluid (dialysate) is introduced. This fluid absorbs waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from my blood. After a set period, the fluid is drained and replaced. This process must be carried out multiple times a day or overnight using a machine.

This treatment is not optional—it is what will keep me alive while I wait for another transplant.

Peritoneal dialysis also requires a strict, clean, and controlled environment to reduce the risk of serious infections such as peritonitis. It also involves storing a large volume of medical supplies at home, including boxes of dialysis fluid, tubing, and sterile equipment.

At the moment, I simply do not have the space inside my home to safely store this equipment or carry out treatment properly.

Because of this, I am trying to raise funds to build a dedicated shed in my garden that can be used purely for dialysis. This would give me a clean, safe, and private space to carry out my daily treatment and store everything I need.

On top of this, I will need to take time off work for upcoming procedures, dialysis, and recovery. As I have recently started a new job, I am not yet entitled to full sick pay, which will create additional financial pressure during this time.

This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about being able to carry out life-sustaining treatment safely at home and maintaining some quality of life during a very difficult time.

How the funds will be used:

- Shed (suitable size for dialysis): £1,200 – £2,000

- Base/foundation: £800 – £1,500

- Insulation: £500 – £1,000

- Electrical installation: £800 – £1,500

- Interior setup & storage: £400 – £1,000

- Contingency & additional costs: £700 – £1,500

Target: £6,500

This will allow me to create a safe, hygienic, and suitable environment to carry out peritoneal dialysis at home, as well as help support me financially while I am unable to work.

Any support, whether that’s a donation or simply sharing this page, would mean more than I can put into words.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

❤️