A family is appealing for support to fund a home dialysis space after being denied financial aid.

Ben Parker, 42, from Barnsley, is battling end-stage kidney failure for the second time in his life and relies on dialysis four to five times a week.

His wife, Sam has launched a fundraiser to help convert their garage into a safe and sterile dialysis room.

“Ben has always struggled with his health having multiple health problems his whole life,” Mrs Parker said.

Mr Parker was told he had total kidney failure in 2018 and had to have a transplant when their daughter was just a baby.

He was then diagnosed with two auto-immune diseases: C3G and ANCA (Anca Vasculitis). He also has chronic asthma and epilepsy.

C3G affects just two in a million people and there is no known cure for it.

In 2019, Mr Parker was able to get a transplant allowing him to experience a few years without intrusive dialysis treatment.

Mrs Parker said: “We could spend time as a family and Ben could enjoy watching our daughter grow up.”

But, in late 2023, Mr Parker’s kidney started deteriorating again, forcing him back onto dialysis, a long process lasting four hours, about four to five times a week.

To ease the pressure, the family opted for home dialysis. However, without a dedicated room, their daughter’s bedroom was the best option. 

They started dialysing at home in November 2024, and try to do the sessions during the day while their daughter is at school to minimise the impact on her.

Mrs Parkers said: “Our daughter has never known anything other than her daddy always being poorly and it breaks my heart when she says things like ‘when Daddy gets better…’.”

The couple then decided the best way for a home dialysis was to convert their garage, but needed funding since they cannot work full time due to Ben’s dialysis needs. 

In April 2024, they applied for a disabled facilities grant, but were told they didn’t meet the criteria. An appeal was unsuccessful.

Mrs Parker decided to reach out for help through a fundraiser, which has since raised over £6,000.

“We’ve been blown away, overwhelmed, grateful for everything,” Mrs Parker said.

Through their Instagram, the couple has been sharing updates on the project, and recently fitted in the dialysis in their garage.

Mr Parker said home dialysis “feels very liberating because when you go into hospital to have it done you kind of are dependent on somebody all the time”.

Their fundraiser is accessible via : https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-fundraise-to-create-a-home-dialysis-room-at-home

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yorkshireladhomehd?igsh=d2kyMDRnZ3Vhdm5w