Community / Pop-up sale to raise funds for kidney condition charity
A WOMAN who was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition as a teenager is holding a pop-up shop in Lerwick to raise funds for a charity which supports people and their families affected by the syndrome.
Disa Hunter’s pop-up shop is taking place at the Staney Hill Hall today from 11am to 6.30pm, and Saturday between 10am and 4.30pm.
People will be able to buy clothes, shoes and toys, as well as many other items including a donated iPhone 11 and Kindle Fire. The sale is cash only.
Proceeds will go towards Alport UK, which helps people with Alport’s Syndrome.
Alport Syndrome is a rare inherited disease that can cause kidney failure, deafness and eye abnormalities.
It can impact a large number of people in a family, and it is the second most common form of inherited kidney disease.
Hunter said: “After starting with symptoms as a toddler, it was a long journey and many tests which led me to being diagnosed at 16.
“There was a fault in my COL4A5 gene which had arisen out the blue so thankfully none of my family have it – I do always just like to be the awkward one!
“However, I did feel very isolated as I didn’t know anyone else diagnosed with it.
“I kept this hidden for many years, only telling a few friends/family about it. It wasn’t until Covid-19 hit, I started doing more research into Alport’s and becoming more open about it. I found Alport UK through Facebook and the rest is history.”
Hunter said she was able to connect with other people across the world who are affected by Alport’s.
As a result, she has now been to meet-ups in Cardiff and London. “It was amazing to be given the opportunity to feel connected and understood,” Hunter said.
She has also benefited from a specific Alport UK fund designed to inspire people to experience a new challenge – such as a new exercise, sport or activity.
“It was through this fund that I was able to get my paddleboard,” Hunter said.
“This has been a huge benefit for my physical and mental health.
“Alport UK has done so much to support me so I want to give back so they can continue to support others and raise awareness.
“This is what has led me to do this pop-up shop to try thank them for everything they’ve done and continue to do for me and others.”
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