One of the most vocal advocates for kidney health in the UK is Manchester United legend Andy Cole. In 2015, Cole contracted a viral infection that led to Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a condition that causes scarring of the kidneys.
By 2017, his kidney function had dropped to 7%, necessitating a life-saving transplant. The donor was his nephew, Alexander. Cole has since established the Andy Cole Fund in partnership with Kidney Research UK to focus on the mental health impact of the disease and to fund research into better treatments.
The beloved creator of Tracy Beaker has been candid about her health struggles. After suffering heart failure, the resulting strain on her body caused significant kidney damage.
Dame Jacqueline underwent dialysis three times a week for several years—a grueling process she described as “exhausting” but necessary. Fortunately, she eventually received a successful transplant and has since become an ambassador for kidney charities, highlighting that the disease can strike even in later life.
Best known for her role as Dawn in the original UK version of The Office, Lucy Davis was diagnosed with kidney failure in 1995. The failure was a complication of diabetes.
Celebrity chef Lawrence Keogh, known for his appearances on Saturday Kitchen, developed chronic kidney disease in his 30s. He underwent a transplant in 2000, with his sister acting as the donor.
Keogh has used his culinary expertise to help other patients, authoring a cookbook specifically designed for people on restricted “renal diets,” which require careful monitoring of potassium, phosphate, and salt.
While she has not specified the exact nature of her conditions, Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain recently shared that she has been diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune conditions are a leading cause of kidney damage (such as Lupus Nephritis or IgA Nephropathy).
Nadiya’s openness about her “tough year of hospital tests” and the need to “burn the candle at both ends” less frequently has sparked a wider conversation about the link between systemic autoimmune health and organ function.
| Celebrity | Known For | Condition/Treatment |
| Andy Cole | Footballer | FSGS / Kidney Transplant |
| Jacqueline Wilson | Author | Kidney Failure / Dialysis & Transplant |
| Lucy Davis | The Office actress | Diabetes-related failure / Transplant |
| Lawrence Keogh | Chef | CKD / Kidney Transplant |
| Jasmine Shen | West End Star (Six) | Nephrotic Syndrome |
| Richard Pitman | Jockey | Altruistic Kidney Donor |
Many of these stories share a common thread: the life-changing impact of a living donor. In the UK, the “opt-out” system for organ donation (Max and Keira’s Law) has helped, but the waiting list for a kidney remains the longest of any organ.
Did you know? You can live a perfectly healthy life with just one kidney. This is why “living donation” (usually from a relative or friend) is often the fastest route to a transplant.
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