'Kidney warrior', 9, raises hundreds for research
FamilyA nine-year-old girl who has chronic kidney disease has raised hundreds of pounds for medical research by throwing an Easter party.
Harley-Ray, from Shropshire, was diagnosed aged five, when her mum said she developed "almost see-through skin" and was rushed to hospital.
Now Harley-Ray, who lives in Whitchurch, has raised £1,300 for Kidney Research UK, after hosting an Easter party that featured a disco and a raffle.
Her mum Chloe-Jade has described her as a "kidney warrior", having set up several fundraising projects since her diagnosis as well as teaching her friends how kidneys work.
When Harley-Ray became unwell in 2021, Chloe-Jade initially thought it was a urinary tract infection, but she became concerned when the usual medicines did not help.
She told BBC Radio Shropshire that her daughter then developed "almost see-through skin and was in agony", prompting her to call an ambulance.
Hospital tests showed Harley-Ray's "kidneys were failing" and "she was very lucky" to still be alive.
FamilyHarley-Ray's condition means she needs to drink and urinate more often than most people, and she must be very careful about how much salty or sugary food she eats, her mum said.
It is hoped this strict lifestyle will help to preserve her kidney function and delay the need for dialysis or a transplant, although Chloe-Jade said a transplant seemed to be "inevitable" at some point.
Saturday's event took place at the Archibald Worthington Club in Whitchurch.
Harley-Ray, who has previously raised money for Kidney Research UK with bake sales and sponsored events, said she wanted to host another Easter party next year.
She added she would be able to eat some Easter chocolate this weekend, but she could not eat it "all in one day".
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