History
The Manchester Institute of Nephrology and Transplantation (MINT) was established in 1998 as the research and development arm of renal medicine and transplantation within the Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI). In 1965 the MRI was one of the first centres to offer dialysis and in 1968 started its kidney transplantation programme. It has a wide ranging research programme, investigating biological and clinical aspects of kidney disease in both children and adults.
The MRI has always had one of the largest renal units in the country. In 1965 it was one of the first centres to offer dialysis and in 1968 was one of the first in the country to undertake kidney transplant operations—it is now the largest renal unit in the UK and has an enviable success rate. Last year it carried out around 180 kidney transplant operations –10% of the UK total. The transplant service for adults and children covers a population of 7 million in the North West of England.
In 2006, the fundraising arm of MINT changed it’s name to “Kidneys for Life fundraising for MINT at the MRI Renal Units”. It was found that the general public were confused as to the purpose of our fundraising and it was felt that Kidneys for Life was a much better name for the charity. Kidneys for Life fundraising for MINT at the MRI Renal Units raises money to enable vital research into kidney disease and also provides essential medical equipment that is not funded by the NHS.
Our Trustees
There are three Trustees of the charity:
Professor Paul Brenchley – Head of Renal Research
Mr Neil Parrott – Consultant Transplant Surgeon
Dr Colin Short – Consultant Nephrology Physician
Aims & Objectives
The aims and objectives of Kidneys for Life are:
- The relief of sickness by the provision of amenities for patients of Manchester Royal Infirmary Renal Unit
- To provide financial assistance for patients of the Manchester Royal Infirmary Renal Unit
- To undertake, promote, develop and encourage research of the kidney and urinary tract and research into treatment of such diseases and to publish the useful results thereof
- To undertake, promote and develop treatment of persons suffering from diseases of the kidney and urinary tract
- To raise awareness of kidney and urinary tract disease
How we spend our money
Research is regarded as an essential part in the ongoing care and treatment of patients. Although all of the consultant nephrologists and transplant surgeons at MRI are involved in research, most of the patients will never meet any of the laboratory-based scientists and researchers who are an integral part of MINT. Nevertheless they are as dedicated to the well being of the patients as the doctors and nurses.
MINT has a proud history of being at the forefront of many acclaimed scientific discoveries and internationally celebrated successes. For example, some of the earliest and most important clinical trials with immunosuppressive drugs were carried out at the MRI. Two decades ago an historic leap was made in the success rate of renal transplantation, which improved from 60% to 90%. MINT is at the forefront as one of the leading centres in Europe for important clinical trials.
The Renal Unit is now running a programme of combined kidney and pancreas transplantation to tackle the growing problem of kidney failure due to diabetes. We are the first unit in the country to have carried out successful combined kidney and pancreas transplantation surgery on children thus enabling them to live a normal life for the first time in many years.
Despite the importance of this work, NHS funds are limited and unable to support many of the highly rated research projects. The funding for these projects must therefore come from charitable sources and individuals who understand the need.
There are few renal centres in the country with the world-wide reputation and respect of MINT. The experience and knowledge of the clinical and laboratory staff is almost unrivalled. The team currently working in MINT has produced research work that offers real hope for patients both now and in the future.
Kidneys for Life fundraising for MRI Renal Units aims to raise funds to ensure that research can continue to further help that kidneys work well for the lifetime of the patient, and our research plan for the future will follow this aim. We also aim to improve direct patient amenities within the Renal Units.