Andy Cole himself suffered kidney disease and now the Andy Cole Fund Grant Awards are the latest way in which he is looking to help others
Former Newcastle United number nine and kidney disease survivor Andy Cole has launched a new £250,000 scheme to accelerate research into the life-threatening condition.
Star striker Andy, who played for the Toon Army between 1993 and 1995 before heading for Manchester United, has established the Andy Cole Fund Grant Awards in conjunction with charity Kidney Research UK. The footy legend underwent a kidney transplant – with an organ donated by his nephew – in 2017.
Andy’s experience with the debilitating disease has led him to set up the Andy Cole Fund, and now he is working with KRUK to boost research into kidney disease and kidney failure. There will be £250,000 available for talented researchers, scientists and clinicians across the UK who are working on cures and treatments for the illness.
The scheme is focussing on how to transform the patient experience of transplant surgery – and improve mental health outcomes. The former England striker – who won the treble in Manchester United’s red shirt – has spoken openly before about the impact his own illness and surgery had on his mental health
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Andy said: “I set up the Andy Cole Fund to make a difference. I’m determined that we will find the best ways to support kidney patients’ mental health and improve the transplant experience.
“Kidney disease is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. We’ve got to make it better for others and research is the answer. I’m excited to see what projects we can fund through the Andy Cole Fund Grant Awards to help change the game for kidney patients.”
Sandra Currie, chief executive at Kidney Research UK added: “When Andy established the Andy Cole Fund, he wanted to focus on making a difference in areas that have affected him personally, aiming to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives with kidney disease.
“It’s an absolute pleasure working with him, and it’s great to be opening the fund for applications. All researchers who are interested in being part of this drive to improve transplant outcomes for patients or to reduce the mental health burden of kidney disease should apply now and be part of the change.”
