Supporting research at the Glasgow Bridges Walk gives me hope for a fourth kidney transplant
A mental health nurse from Glasgow has found herself back on dialysis and needing a fourth kidney transplant, after being left heartbroken by yet another kidney failure.
Motivated by her struggles, Johanna Hughes, 38, is joining our Glasgow Bridges Walk alongside hundreds of supporters, helping fund research into kidney disease.
Research gives hope
Johanna says: “I’m only 38 but have dealt with kidney disease for 35 years. It has been extremely difficult needing dialysis for long-periods in my childhood, early twenties and again this year. It has had a huge impact on my life and mental health – limiting my prospects, damaging relationships and making me feel worthless.
“A fourth transplant is unlikely because of my antibody levels, which are extremely high and could cause transplant rejection. However, it’s not impossible. I am fearful about the toll dialysis will continue to take on me and how it will affect life. I want to still be here to see my daughter grow and thrive.
“Research into kidney disease gives me hope that one day I could have another successful transplant, and that it might last a long time. I’m determined to support research that can stop kidney diseases like mine affecting other people at all. That’s why I’ve decided to join the Glasgow Bridges Walk with my family.
The Kidney Research UK Glasgow Bridges Walk will take place on 31 August, beginning at 10am from Glasgow Green. Participants can choose either a one- or six-mile route to complete, and places are still available to join.
Life plagued by kidney disease
Johanna was only three years old when she was diagnosed with a type of kidney disease called focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) – which damages tiny filters (the glomeruli) inside your kidneys.
She needed dialysis for four years until she received her first transplant, from a deceased donor in 1995.
Johanna says: “I knew I was different from my peers. Thankfully, I was still able to regularly attend school and had extra tuition, so I didn’t fall behind because of hospital appointments and dialysis. One of the worst impacts was caused by the immunosuppressants I needed to prevent transplant rejection. They caused physical side-effects that made me feel ugly, disgusting and worthless.”
A transplant is not a cure for kidney disease, and sadly, in 2008, Johanna’s kidney failed due to a recurrence of FSGS. This prompted her parents to get tested to donate a kidney.
Johanna says: “I wasn’t worried about needing dialysis again because my family were ready to gift me a kidney. However, within 24 hours of receiving a transplant from my mum, it had failed. We were devastated. There was no indication it would not be successful, but the kidney needed to be removed, and I ended up on dialysis.
“I was optimistic I would receive a transplant from my dad, and we even got given a date for surgery. However, my body was creating antibodies which would have caused the kidney to reject, and so the transplant was cancelled. That was a massive blow, and I emotionally shut down to cope with what was happening.”
Coping with transplant rejection
When it became clear that live organ donation from her dad was no longer an option, Johanna was devastated, and she spent five years on dialysis.
Johanna says: “I had only just turned 20 and my life had been shattered. Friends abandoned me and my boyfriend broke up with me. I had no job, no prospects and no hope. I felt worthless and unattractive because of the fistula I needed for dialysis. I honestly wanted to die but held on for my parents.”
Eventually, Johanna’s younger brother, Joseph, was tested to donate a kidney and was found to be a good match. Just after Christmas in 2012, the transplant went ahead and was a success, despite Johanna’s high level of antibodies.
Johanna says: “The transplant saved me in so many ways. I had hope again for the future and was able to build a life for myself. I went to college and university to get my nursing degree. Then I had my daughter, Ramona, and met my fiancé, Mark.”
Kidney transplants from live donors last for an average of 20-25 years. However, it was only a little over ten years before Johanna’s kidney began to fail due to another recurrence of FSGS. At the beginning of 2025, she had to return to dialysis.
Johanna says: “I was terrified. I had always said I could never fight this fight again, but here I am doing it. I’ve had to step away from work but am determined to go back on a part-time basis. That will be so important for my mental health.
“I know that my antibody levels are so high now that I may never receive another kidney transplant. That’s frightening but I’m trying to work my life around dialysis with the support of my family. My mum and I have been trained by the amazing staff at New Stobhill dialysis unit, in Glasgow, to manage my dialysis at home.”
Sharing story to raise awareness
Johanna says: “I’m taking one day at a time and try to make small plans to look forward to. I hope joining the Glasgow Bridges Walk will be a nice distraction. I am looking forward to the atmosphere and meeting others with similar experiences. Hopefully we’ll raise plenty of money for life-saving research and bring attention to the importance of kidney health.
“I used to feel so much shame and embarrassment around my illness but now I want to share my story to make a difference. I am proud of myself and how I’ve faced the challenges that come with kidney disease throughout my whole life. I’ve never given up and keep doing my best every single day to make the most of life. I’m so grateful to the people who support and love me.”
Walk with Johanna and Team Kidney
Join the renal community at one of our Bridges Walks where you can raise awareness and fundraise for vital kidney research.
Every step you take will make a difference to people living with kidney disease.
Why not make a donation now?
Every £ counts towards transforming treatments for people living with kidney disease.