Volunteer IDKA Committee Members

Winston Chapman

"Hello, I'm Winston or Wiggy. I joined IDKA after I was told that that I had renal issues. I had a transplant 13 years ago and I worked forIpswich Town Football Club (ITFBC) for 25 years. I like gardening and was the Chair of the IDKA Committee for a whole. Nowadays I still sit on the committee going to their monthly meetings in order to give something back."

Gail Downes

"Hi, my name is Gail and I am carer for my husband who has his haemodialysis at home. I am a family person and enjoy reading, cake decorating and knitting for my grandchildren. I joined IDKA a couple of months ago after attending the AGM Hog Roast and thought I would like to help in some way and help to keep home dialisers in the loop."

Venessa Herbert

"Hi I'm Venessa Herbert (spelt incorrectly at birth with an 'e'!) I have been a farmer's wife for over 40 years and am a retired Teaching Assistant. (20 years at local school) I'm a member of the Haughley PCC and the Haughley Post Office Management Committee. My hobbies include Folk Dancing, a member of the Gym, Gardening (but not keen!) Scrapbooking & a Nannie to two grandsons, both aged 2. My husband, Allan, has had 2 kidney transplants and had Dialysis care previously at Ipswich Hospital.

The reason I joined IDKA was to give something back."

Nick Downes

"Hi, my name is Nick. I have been on dialysis for nearly two years and on home heamo for just over a year now. I am medically retired from the NHS where I worked for occupational therapy. I joined thé committee so I can assist IDKA to help kidney patients in the area."

Renata Ralph

"I'm Renata, the wife of Len, who is a haemodialysis patient at the Aldeburgh unit. I'm just interested in trying to make sure that IDKA survives in order to help/aid patients and their families (taking on transport issues and all that sort of thing) Having been at the wrong end of some of these issues myself/ourselves."

Sue Swayze

"Hello, I am Sue Swayze and I developed kidney problems after nearly 40 years as a diabetic which also left me registered blind. After some years on dialysis I was fortunate enough to receive a double transplant (kidney & pancreas) which transformed my life. Since then I have served on the IDKA committee in an attempt to help others going through the problems faced by kidney patients. In the absence of a secretary I do my best to take the minutes at IDKA meetings but it is not easy for a blind person! I am chair a club for people with physical & sensory disabilities (Mid Suffolk Axis), am a Trustee of East Suffolk Association for the Blind and serve on various committees fighting for the rights of disabled people."