THE new banknotes featuring King Charles III are now coming into circulation, and we're asking your readers if they would consider donating the first new £5 note they receive to Kidney Care UK.

Kidney disease affects one in 10 people in Hampshire and as the UK's leading kidney patient support charity, we have been supporting kidney patients and their families for five decades and work to ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone.

Last year, Kidney Care UK spent over £4.5m on charitable activities, helping more than 3,000 individuals and their families through our direct support services including counselling, debt advice, and advocacy. Additionally, we provided financial support of over £860,000 to help people cope with unexpected bills and support families facing hardship, and last year we were able to help individuals identify and claim, more than £1.5m in benefits they were eligible for but were not claiming.

As a charity, we receive no government funding, so by donating your #FirstFiver, this can help us to provide immediate and life-changing support to kidney patients and their families. For more information about the campaign including how your readers can donate, please go to kidneycareuk.org/first-fiver.

Emily Millington

Head of Fundraising, Kidney Care UK

St Mary's Close

Alton

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