Exeter & District Kidney Patients' Association

Why we're proud to support the EDKPA Charity

Published on 19th September 2024

You don't expect to learn you have contracted an autoimmune disease that will cause your kidneys to fail within just two years at the age of 26, do you?

Well, that's exactly what happened to entrepreneur Peter Campbell, the founder and original joint owner (with his wife Joanne) of the it'seeze website franchise.

Upon diagnosis, his first thoughts were:

Is there a cure?

Will I still be able to provide for my family?

Will I be able to have children?

So many questions, and yet, some 45 years later, many people still don't understand what kidney disease means for those unfortunate people living with it.

Facts about Kidney Disease

So here are some facts, should you be among those in the dark about this challenging condition. Hopefully, they will allow you to appreciate why this charity is close to our hearts and deserves our support.

Currently, there's no cure for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but treatment can help relieve the symptoms and stop it from getting worse. Dialysis or a transplant is the only option for keeping patients alive.

There are over 30,000 adults and children who are on dialysis due to kidney failure and lose at least 12 hours per week of work and leisure time (dialysing three sessions a week, 4 hours per session).

Approximately 7,000 patients are actively waiting for a transplant. The average wait for a deceased donor kidney transplant in the UK is 2-3 years.

Thirty million people have already recorded their organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, representing approx. 45% of the UK population. However, as only 1% of people will die in the right circumstances for their organs to be donated, as many people as possible still need to register.

Despite patients receiving dialysis treatment, many still suffer from nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, shortness of breath, dry, itchy skin and muscle cramps due to the rapid changes in blood levels that happen during treatment.

Following Peter's diagnosis and after losing his job due to illness, he retrained as a graphic designer whilst undergoing three weekly dialysis sessions. He became self-employed to fit his treatment routine into growing a design business from home.

Three years after Peter's diagnosis, his younger brother donated one of his kidneys to him. This ultimate gift not only resulted in Peter's ability to live a more normal life but also allowed him to have a son, who was born two years after the transplant. Unfortunately, despite enjoying nine blissful years free from dialysis, Peter's health issues resurfaced, and he had to resume treatment.

Peter maintained his design business and grew his team from his home studio while still undergoing regular treatment. Unexpectedly, a few years later, he was fortunate enough to receive a second kidney through donation and undergo a second successful transplant surgery. After regaining good health, the entrepreneur had a renewed energy and a clear vision for the future of the business. The plan was to build a franchised web design company that offered a unique and easy-to-use editing system, which led to the creation of it'seeze websites. As the franchise regions expanded, the talented team at the newly established Torquay Studios also grew.

Sadly, five years later, Peter's health deteriorated yet again, and a return to dialysis was inevitable. His wife took on the it'seeze management role, and the business continued to expand with a strong team behind her. Following many hospital admissions to the RD&E hospital in Exeter and several months in intensive care, Peter's condition had taken its toll on his body; sadly, for all of his strength, he passed away in 2010.

His legacy has been fulfilled despite all odds; it'seeze remains a successful franchise, his wife Joanne retired some 11 years later, and his son is now a successful sound designer in London.

Following retirement, Joanne dedicates her time to the Exeter and District Kidney Patients Association (EDKPA), supporting those affected by this debilitating disease and their loved ones.

If you want to donate or support the EDKPA, please visit edkpa.org.uk.