A Bradford mother and daughter who turned their family’s experience of kidney failure into a charity supporting hundreds of local people have been recognised with a prestigious national award.
Michaela Smith and her daughter, Sofia Tsanou, founded the Bradford Kidney Patients Association (KPA) in 2024 after discovering there was no longer an active support group for kidney patients in the district.
Just two years later, the organisation has been named KPA of the Year 2026 by the National Kidney Federation.
The charity now supports more than 130 members, including patients, carers and families, providing information, peer support, fundraising initiatives and trips out for people receiving treatment at St Luke’s Hospital Renal Dialysis Unit, Bradford Royal Infirmary and Skipton Satellite Unit, which are all part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
For Sofia, 30, the charity’s success has come during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
After complications from Type 1 diabetes, she went into end-stage kidney failure in 2023 and spent four months in hospital battling a collapsed lung, sepsis and pneumonia. She now undergoes dialysis three times a week while waiting for a kidney and pancreas transplant.
“My life is on hold while I wait for a transplant,” said Sofia. “Dialysis becomes your routine and can be incredibly challenging, but starting the charity has given us a purpose. If we can make someone else’s journey a little easier, then everything we’ve done has been worthwhile.”
The idea for Bradford KPA came after Michaela and Sofia attended a National Kidney Federation meeting and realised Bradford was one of the few areas without an active kidney patient association after its previous group folded.
“We knew there was a real gap,” said Michaela. “People living with kidney disease need more than medical treatment. They need someone to talk to, someone who understands and someone who can point them in the right direction. We wanted to rebuild that support network for Bradford.”
Since launching, the charity has become a thriving community, organising awareness events, publishing newsletters (thanks to design work by Trustee, Heather Galloway) and helping patients access information and support throughout their treatment.
Fundraising throughout the year has enabled the charity to provide coach trips – free to patients and £5 for guests – to seaside resorts including Scarborough, Blackpool and Southport, giving dialysis patients the opportunity to enjoy a day out with family and friends.
The group has also purchased rechargeable personal fans for patients receiving dialysis during warmer months and distributed Christmas gift bags to all 380 renal patients across Bradford and Skipton, containing renal dietitian-approved treats and useful items. When funds allow, the charity also provides small gestures of appreciation for NHS staff who care for renal patients.
“Our goal is to provide those little comforts that can make a difficult day feel brighter,” said Sofia, who describes her partner Tom as ‘my rock’ for his support. “Many patients spend four hours on dialysis, three times every week. The staff and patients become like family, so anything that improves that experience is incredibly valuable.”
Michaela believes their lived experience has helped make the charity unique.
“Sofia understands what it’s like to be a patient because she’s living it every day, while I understand what it’s like to watch someone you love go through it. Together we’re able to support people from both perspectives. We don’t replace medical advice, but we offer empathy, understanding and help people find the right support.”
The charity’s work continues to gather momentum, with Calverley Golf Club Senior Section choosing Bradford Kidney Patients Association as its Charity of the Year for 2026, helping raise further funds for local kidney patients.
“We started this because we wanted to turn something so difficult into something positive,” added Michaela. “Winning this award shows what can be achieved when people come together to support one another. We hope it encourages more people to join us, volunteer or simply reach out if they need help.”
Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ Clinical Lead for Renal Medicine, Dr Mansoor Ali, said: “I am ever so grateful to Michaela and Sofia for creating Bradford KPA. The charity has created a welcoming forum where patients can meet, share experiences, support one another and access valuable peer advice.
“Bradford KPA works closely with our renal team and with other renal patient organisations nationally to make a difference to patients with kidney diseases in Bradford.
“I wholeheartedly support the charity and wish them every bit of luck and success.”
For more information or to become a member, visit www.bradfordkpa.org or email bradfordkpa@outlook.com.