A DUNDEE man who was on dialysis for 22 years is lending his support to a campaign to raise money for the ward that helped save his life.
Rab Clouttie’s kidneys failed when he was aged 16 and had just left school.
Up until 2006, the Whitfield man was on dialysis, the process of removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood when kidneys stop working properly. He was initially put on it in 1984.
During this time, he went through two kidney transplants — the first one having failed.
He told the Tele: “It was pretty frightening being told I had to be put on dialysis.
“I was always getting ill when I was young but my family never really knew how serious it was until I left school.
“They found that my kidneys hadn’t grown at the same rate as the rest of my body and, as a result, a lot of pressure was being put on them — and they just weren’t coping.
“It was in 1984 I was put on dialysis, and it took 13 years to get a transplant — but that failed.
“I was on dialysis again until 2006, when I had another transplant operation, which proved to be successful.
“It’s been 10 years since the transplant and everything seems to be going all right.”
The 47-year-old photographer, who now lives in Cupar with his fiancée, Debbie Coulson, said keeping his mind occupied during the dialysis was essential.
Now he is supporting a fundraising campaign to raise money for the Ninewells Hospital Dialysis ward’s comfort fund, which helps those on dialysis through the process.
He added: “It’s the little things that make a difference. Dialysis is hard on patients and any small comfort is greatly appreciated.
“Music, TVs, books, anything to make the process that much easier.”
The charity night for the dialysis unit at Ninewells Hospital is taking place at Club 19 Social, Bonnygate, Cupar, next Friday, from 7.30pm.
The night has been organised by Rab’s friend, Freda Duncan-Davies She said: “The event is in aid of the dialysis unit at Ninewells. I have sold 12 tickets so far but need to sell 40 to ensure the event happens. Otherwise, I would have to cancel which would be a huge disappointment.
“All I need is just a little bit of support from everyone. Any little thing that anyone can do would be a huge help.”
“Over the years, Rab and Debbie have always been there for me. To be there for them is the absolute least that I can do. Rab is such an upbeat person and it would be great to give something back to him.”