Kidney Research UK

Pop sensation Raghav highlights important health message at charity fundraising dinner

On Saturday 8th April, multi award-winning pop-star, Raghav, performed at an exclusive fundraising dinner hosted by Kidney Research UK at the Walker’s Stadium, Leicester. Raghav’s intimate performance to the audience of just over 250 people was preceded by a three-course Indian dinner and a series of talks highlighting an important health issue affecting the Asian community.

Asian people are up to six times more likely to suffer kidney disease than the white population, because of the high prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure amongst Asian people. This problem is exacerbated by the shortage of Asian organ donors, which means that many Asian people with kidney failure die waiting for a transplant.

A new health DVD produced by Kidney Research UK - ‘Kidney Disease: The Silent Killer’ - was presented on the evening, which aims to raise awareness of this shocking health message. TV presenter Rajiv Popat acted as compere for the night, introducing a number of speeches from those affected by kidney disease and those actively working in the community to improve awareness of the condition, and crucially, what can be done to prevent its onset. Raghav also addressed the audience to state his support for an issue which has not been given the attention it deserves until Kidney Research UK’s ABLE project, which works to alert at-risk communities to the dangers of kidney disease.

Other attractions on the night included a live DJ, a tombola, an auction and an Indian dance performance. Raghav then took to the stage, performing a medley of his biggest UK hits and material from his forthcoming album. And for those not satisfied with watching him sing, Raghav signed autographs and had his picture taken with his adoring fans. He also dined with fans that had paid for the privilege and donated signed CDs and posters for auction in order to raise money for the ABLE Programme.

“The evening was a very enjoyable and enlightening occasion for all involved,” said Neerja Jain, Project Manager for Kidney Research UK’s ABLE project. “We are very grateful to Raghav for lending us his fame to promote such an important health message. I hope that all those who attended left with an increased awareness of the impact that diet and lifestyle factors can have on kidney health, and will take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.”