Episode 98: Six Kidney Transplants: Darren’s Remarkable Kidney Disease Journey | Part 1

What happens when kidney disease begins from birth — and your life becomes a journey through dialysis and multiple kidney transplants? In this episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee Moore speaks with Chef Darren Ferguson, who shares the first part of his remarkable journey with chronic kidney disease and ultimately receiving six kidney transplants. Darren was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease as a newborn after doctors discovered a blocked valve. His condition was so serious that his family were told he was unlikely to live beyond the age of seven. After major surgery and starting haemodialysis as a baby, Darren received his first kidney transplant at just five years old. In Part 1, Darren reflects on growing up with kidney failure, childhood dialysis, trying to balance treatment with school and football, and the freedom that receiving a kidney transplant gave him. He also shares the unforgettable story of meeting Princess Diana while receiving dialysis at Great Ormond Street Hospital. But Darren’s journey would bring repeated transplant failure and a return to dialysis. At 17, his third kidney transplant — described as a near-perfect match — failed within just eight hours. Darren speaks candidly about the devastating impact this had on his mental health, including depression and suicidal thoughts, and how, with support and psychological help, he gradually began rebuilding his life minute by minute. This is a powerful conversation about childhood kidney disease, haemodialysis, kidney transplantation, transplant failure, mental health, resilience and finding a reason to keep going. 🎧 In this episode: • Being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease as a newborn • Starting haemodialysis in infancy • Receiving a first kidney transplant at five years old • Growing up with dialysis and kidney failure • Balancing school, treatment and trying to live a “normal” childhood • Meeting Princess Diana during dialysis • Receiving and losing multiple kidney transplants • Moving from paediatric to adult kidney care • The devastating failure of Darren’s third transplant • Kidney disease and its impact on mental health • Depression, suicidal thoughts and accessing psychological support • Finding hope and learning to fight again   ⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains discussion of kidney transplant failure, depression and suicidal thoughts, which some listeners may find distressing.   If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in immediate danger, please seek urgent professional support. In the UK, you can contact NHS 111, attend your nearest A&E, or contact Samaritans free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.   💚 If Darren’s story resonates with you, please share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. Follow or subscribe to Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast so you don’t miss Part 2 of Darren’s extraordinary kidney transplant journey. ⭐ You can also support the podcast by leaving a rating or review. It helps more people living with kidney disease, their families and those who support them discover these conversations. Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast shares real stories and expert conversations to educate, empower and inspire people living with kidney disease and those who support them.     Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior:   📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw  🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior  📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social   💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47   📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r   Follow Darren Ferguson   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrenfergs   Instagram: https://instagram.com/darrenjferguson   If you were affected by any of the issues raised in this episode contact:   Kidney Care UK   💻 Website: www.kidneycareuk.org 📧 [email protected] 📞Tel: 01420 541 424 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org 📷Instagram: @kidneycareuk 🔵Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social 📺YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A   📩 To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: [email protected]     Samaritans   Tel: 116 123 (freephone)   [email protected]   Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK PO Box 90 90 Stirling FK8 2SA samaritans.org Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).   Suicide Prevention UK   For help and support, available from 6 pm to midnight every day call 0800 689 5652   Childline   Tel: 0800 1111 childline.org.uk Support for children and young people in the UK, including a free helpline and 1-2-1 online chats with counsellors.   Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.   #KidneyDisease #KidneyTransplant #KidneyTransplantation #KidneyFailure #ChronicKidneyDisease #CKD #Dialysis #Haemodialysis #OrganTransplant #TransplantRecipient #TransplantRejection #KidneyHealth #ChildhoodKidneyDisease #MentalHealth #PatientStory #KidneyWarrior #DiaryOfAKidneyWarriorPodcast