It costs about £400,000 a year to run the Institute and the Fund's present contribution is approximately half of this. The Fund's share may well rise in view of the changing in funding in the NHS and increased research.

We still need patients, staff, carers, relatives and friends to help fundraise. Why not get involved with your local group. The fundraising events are great fun and are an opportunity to meet and get to know other people who have to face similar renal related problems in their lives. You will also learn much more about your own medical problems and how to manage them

The South West Thames Kidney Fund now has three branches all of which welcome new members. The branches cover the Croydon; Frimley Park & Guildford; and Reigate, Epsom and Sutton areas. Each branch does its own fundraising, and each branch welcomes new members and any fundraising ideas they may have. Please click here for information on individual branches.

Fundraising is also organised centrally and has been successful in raising sponsorship through the London Marathon run, the Adidas 5K Women's Challenge and other special events. For information, please contact Anne Collard on 020 8296 3698, or email Anne.Collard@kidneyfund.org.uk

The Kidney Fund is affiliated with Justgiving where you can set up your own webpage for any fundraiser you do. People can make credit card donations on Justgiving, which is a guaranteed secure site. To create your own page, go to http://www.justgiving.com/process/raisemoney/ and follow the steps and/or please contact Anne Collard on 020 8296 3698 for assistance and/or a sponsor form.