The difference we make Personal Stories Kerigh's story Kerigh Palmer from Royston currently receives regular dialysis treatment at Lister and has recently joined forces with our charity team to start a fundraising drive to purchase equipment to support other patients. She is going to help us fund a vein mapper for the renal unit at Lister after her fistula suffered irreparable damage during treatment. She has been receiving regular dialysis treatment after her kidneys failed in 2015 and she continues to dialyse while she waits for a new organ through the pair/pooled scheme. A high percentage of patients in her situation receive the treatment via a fistula, a surgically created 'super blood vessel.' After three surgeries on the fistula in her left arm last year, Kerigh's became no longer viable when an inserted needle struck a blood clot and caused the damage. A vein mapper or vein finder is a portable piece of equipment that can show the exact position of blood vessels. Kerigh said "Had there been a mapper available at the time, it may have shown there was a problem and the needle could have been inserted elsewhere. We'll never know for certain, but having one on hand could help others." She has set a target of £1,500 and already has more than £800 in the pot which has been donated by her generous friends and family. She will also be joining with staff members on the renal unit to organise a bake sale and a fundraising event on World Kidney Day. "I have been overwhelmed by the number of people offering to help, from Buntingford Gym and Harlow Ladies' Rugby Club to a minister friend of mine whose Eyemouth congregation are looking to fundraise for the appeal. It's important to my wife Julie and myself that something positive comes out of what was devastating for us." Manage Cookie Preferences