In 2019 Candice McKenzie was diagnosed with a kidney disease called IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease.  In 2022 Candice's kidney's failed and as part of her ongoing treatment, she started dialysis to maintain her life as she waits for a kidney transplant.  

 

NHS figures show that as of 31 March 2024, only 1% of deceased kidney donors are Black - this percentage has decreased as it was 2% in 2023.  Black people currently make up 13% of deceased donor transplants, and as on 31 March 2024, 12% of people on the kidney transplant waiting list are Black.  NHS figures also show that Black patients wait on average 735 days for a kidney, making there an urgent need for more black people to donate to reduce the waiting time.  

 

Candice is an advocate for kidney donation in the Black British African and Caribbean communities.  She writes about kidney disease, donation and transplant, and is regularly booked as a guest on TV and radio shows, and to speak on panels at conferences a to offer advice and share her experience to empower and educate others.

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In March 2024 on World Kidney Day, Candice launched the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise (ACKEE), a community interest company aimed at educating and empowering Black African Caribbean people to look after their kidneys in life and donate their kidneys in death. 

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