Students put their hearts into kidney fundraiser

The degree candidates will present “The Walk of Life” at The Trades next Thursday — a nostalgic catwalk show with music to match the fashion.

Those taking part are all studying on the popular music performance and production or fashion and textiles courses.

They will be collecting for Kidney Care UK — a charity supporting kidney disease and transplant patients.

Music student Olivia Greenwood is hosting the night. 

She received a kidney transplant one year ago — her second procedure after the first attempt failed.

“For three years, from 2013 until 2016, I had dialysis three times a day,” she said.

“It took over my life and unless you have personal experience of kidney failure or dialysis, you just can’t appreciate how unwell you are.

“I wanted to give something back to Kidney Care UK as whenever I needed help the charity was there for me.

“Whether I needed help planning holidays or travelling while on dialysis, or had questions that my GP or renal team couldn’t answer, I was always able to get the information I needed from them.”

Robert Hope, head of fundraising at Kidney Care UK, said it was “an honour” to have supported Olivia when she needed it the most.

He added: “As a charity we receive no government funding. We rely on the kind generosity of the supporters like Olivia and her colleagues.”

The event takes place at The Trades, Greasbrough Road, from 7.30pm on Thursday, March 22.

Tickets cost £4.50 each and can be bought on the door or in advance.

Call The Trades on 01709 370651 or Rotherham College on 01709 722749 or buy your tickets online.