From the Heart: Waiting for a kidney transplant

David Edwards puts up with gruelling dialysis treatment three times a week Credit: ITV

Patients travel to the renal unit at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary three, four or even five times a week, for dialysis treatment that last up to six hours.

It means a lot of time hooked up to machines and not much time for anything else in life. A kidney transplant would change everything. But a shortage of donors means for most, that is unlikely to happen.

David Edwards was one of the first to have a kidney transplant, 30 years ago. He went on to live an active life, competing in the World Transplant Games and having a family.

Now his kidneys are failing again and he is back on the transplant waiting list. His treatment is exhausting. He feels he is "treading water", unable to get on with life.

David is one of 372 patients in the ITV Tyne Tees and Border region waiting for an organ transplant. ITV's From the Heart campaign is raising awareness of the organ donor register. You can find more information on how to join, on the dedicated website here.