A MAN who suffered a life-threatening kidney condition has donated more than £3,000 to the hospital ward that helped save his life.

Since undergoing a kidney transplant more than six years ago, Daniel Jewell and family have dedicated their time to raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

Mr Jewell, now 27, mum Cindy and dad Steve, presented a cheque for £3,600 to the Prince of Wales renal ward at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester .

The money will be used to buy televisions, DVD players and audio books to keep patients entertained during long stays in hospital.

Mr Jewell said: “Speaking from experience, hospital stays are always pretty boring, so it does make a difference to be able to keep yourself entertained.

“It is fantastic what they have done for me, and we are just doing this to try and give something back.”

Mr Jewell was first hospitalised shortly before his 18th birthday, after routine blood tests following the sudden death of his uncle showed he had renal failure.

Mrs Jewell, 52, said it was ‘a hard time’ for the family.

“My brother had died and my son was rushed to hospital and put on the transplant list.

“There are no symptoms when you are in renal failure. If Daniel had not had the tests his illness would not have been picked up.”

Mr Jewell had a kidney transplant 18 months after he was diagnosed. He suffered further complications this year when it appeared his body was rejecting the kidney.

Mrs Jewell said: “They thought the new kidney was dying, but then found it was a blockage.

“He still had to have another operation, but he had his last procedure on the day we presented the cheque.”

WARD SO THANKFUL FOR GIFT


THE Prince of Wales renal ward at Dorset County Hospital will use the donation to improve the hospital experience for patients.


Senior staff nurse Toni Codd said: “The Jewell family are brilliant people who have been so proactive in fundraising. On this ward you get people of all ages, and because renal conditions are chronic, the staff get to know them very well.


“At the moment, if a patient can’t afford to pay to watch television, a hospital visit can be very lonely, so getting in any form of entertainment will really make a difference.


“We are also starting to hold relaxation and activity days, including gentle touch hand therapy, and Cindy and other volunteers will be trained to provide this.


“This has been hugely beneficial so far, and we couldn’t have done it without the Jewell family.”