Supporters of a national charity took part in an event yesterday held in Norwich to raise awareness of kidney disease.

A crowd of people turned out to see 500 balloons let go outside the Forum in the city centre for the charity Kidney Research UK.

It was to celebrate World Kidney Day and each balloon that was released was to represent each kidney disease patient in Norfolk.

Pete Revell, community fundraising manager for Kidney Research UK, was joined by Sandy Lines OBE, chairman of the United Norwich Kidney Patients Association, and explained what the day meant.

'It is not a life style thing. Even the fittest of people can have kidney problems,' he said.

'Raising awareness at the event was absolutely brilliant by having 500 purple balloons floating over the city - it really has been a great event. We've even managed to do a bit of fundraising for the charity.

'180 people in the area need a transplant. 1130 in the area are receiving treatment for failed kidneys.'

NHS nurses from Norfolk and Norwich University hospital were also be on hand to carry out free blood pressure tests for members of the public, as high blood pressure is a major risk factor in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Mr Revell added: 'We need more volunteers and more supporters to help us fly the flag and help raise money for Kidney Research UK.'

The event formed part of an international campaign involving more than 100 countries worldwide, and aimed to highlight the importance of kidney health, along with the dangers of kidney disease.

For more information about how you can get involved in World Kidney Day and help to raise money for Kidney Research UK, please visit www.kidneyresearchuk.org or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kidney_research or email Pete Revell at peterevell@kidneyresearchuk.org.

• donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk