A KIDNEY patient on dialysis has celebrated a very special milestone - his 90th birthday.

It was smiles all round when Harry Wilson, from Yarm - who started dialysis when he was a mere 79 year-old in March 2003 - celebrated being a nonagenarian.

Mr Wilson has been on dialysis for 11 years, attending three times a week for four hour sessions.

He initially received his dialysis treatment at the area’s main renal unit at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough before transferring to Stockton Dialysis Centre in the grounds of the University Hospital of North Tees.

Stockton Dialysis Centre is a satellite of the renal unit at James Cook. The centre is run in partnership with independent renal care providers Diaverum to provide high quality patient care and increase capacity closer to home. Some patients are regaining a day of their lives each week through reduced travelling times.

Kerry Smith, clinic manager at the Stockton Dialysis Centre said: “Harry is a great example of the positive impact dialysis can have on the life of a kidney patient.

“His is always cheerful, he keeps the staff and other patients entertained during his sessions. “

Dr Steve Kardasz consultant nephrologist, said: “Harry has done really well on dialysis and we are delighted with his progress. It is a major part of a kidney patient‘s life and managing this successfully for eleven years, at his age, is a real credit to him and quite remarkable.

“We congratulate him on his birthday and are glad he is coping so well.”

Mr Wilson said:” Stockton Dialysis Centre is very convenient for me living in Yarm and it doesn’t take me long to get here. It’s a comfortable, relaxing and very friendly place for me to have my dialysis.”