widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

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.

Disa Hunter at the hall ahead of the sale opening. Photo: Shetland News

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.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

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.

Become a member of Shetland News

 

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.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.