A Cork mother of two, Valerie Dalton, recently shared her unexpected journey with failing kidneys after being diagnosed with stage five renal failure. The 46-year-old, who works as a producer for a video game company, initially dismissed her symptoms as normal tiredness and only sought medical help when she experienced difficulty breathing.

Valerie was first diagnosed with pneumonia, but further tests revealed the severity of her condition. She has been managing her health with peritoneal dialysis and is now in urgent need of a kidney transplant to improve her quality of life.

Valerie's diagnosis has significantly impacted her daily life, forcing her to take extended sick leave from work and limiting her ability to participate in family activities. She is currently on the waiting list for a kidney, but the process could take several years.

To be eligible for a transplant, Valerie underwent a remarkable body transformation, losing over eight stone in weight. She emphasizes the importance of organ donation and the positive impact it can have on someone's life.

If you are interested in learning more about organ donation or potentially becoming a donor for Valerie, please contact the Beaumont Hospital Kidney Centre for more information.

Valerie has also created a social media page to raise awareness about kidney failure and share her personal journey. You can follow her on TikTok to show your support.