02 August 2023 , 01:59
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A man who put off going to his GP because he thought his headaches would 'go away' was left in 'shock' after receiving a devastating diagnosis.
Graham Murray, from Levenshulme, was diagnosed with kidney failure aged just 27, and had to have dialysis treatment for a number of years from 2019, reports the MEN.
Although not initially concerned, Graham visited his GP, who thought his condition was ‘non-serious’ but sent him to A&E due to a significantly high blood pressure. After undergoing further tests in hospital, he received the shocking diagnosis.
“When I was told how serious my condition was it was a massive shock. I’d been suffering from headaches, swelling of the ankles, shortness of breath and struggling to move. But I put off visiting my GP because I thought it would go away,” the 32-year-old said.
Shortly after diagnosis, Graham underwent kidney dialysis treatment, which resulted in him having a catheter and using machines overnight to help filter fluids from the blood. Graham's life had become centred around his condition.
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Graham Murray in Manchester Royal Infirmary“It was tough being on dialysis. My whole flat was filled with boxes and because of the tube in my belly it restricted me from being able to travel,” he said.
He added: “My life became chaotic and restricted. I was going to move to London for a job I had lined up, but I had to stop all of that because I got so ill. I had to move in with my parents for a few months, it was a really difficult time.”
After two years on dialysis, Graham underwent a successful kidney transplant which was donated by his mum in September 2021, he said: “She was really keen to be the one to donate, and it was hard for her too. My mum had to go through a lot and a difficult operation.”
Now, Graham - affiliate manager at AO - along with a dedicated group of employees have completed a gruelling five-hour walk in support of Kidney Research UK.
The group walked from the AO electrical retailer headquarters in Bolton to the AO Arena in Manchester“Kidney Research does a lot of research into medication, I’m aware of a lot of what they do, and so I was really keen to be involved. They’ve provided a lot of indirect support through medication which has gotten a lot better and manageable for patients,” he said.
Graham along with eight other employees at AO have been able to give back to the charity by completing a 28 km trek from the online electricals retailer’s Bolton headquarters to the AO Arena in Manchester.
“I was made up and the rest of the team were so keen to back Research UK as the chosen charity for our sponsored walk,” Graham said.
“I spent two years on dialysis before my transplant and now rely on immunosuppression for my transplanted kidney to remain healthy.
“Kidney Research UK have been very involved in all of my treatments so being able to raise so much money for them made the walk more than worth it,” he added.
The group helped raise more than £2,600The group, battling against hot weather, endured a long five-hour walk which helped raise more than £2,600 for Kidney Research UK. The walk was during one of their biannual ‘Make a Difference’ days - where AOers can swap time at their desk to do good in the community or raise money for charity.
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AO’s charitable arm, the AO Smile Foundation gave the donations a boost of £885, helping to smash the initial target of £1,500 and take the total to £2,655.
Ronan-Peate, community and events manager at Kidney Research UK said: “It is always fantastic to see co-workers come together to take on a great challenge and raise money for charity particularly when it’s one that’s so close to their colleague’s heart.
“The AO employees have completed an amazing achievement and subsequently raised far more than their initial target and we are incredibly grateful for their determination and generosity.
“The money that they have raised will go to supporting research to help more people like Graham by transforming treatments and helping us to one day live in a world without kidney disease.”