MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andy Cole has launched a kidney research charity after emotionally opening up about his own transplant nightmare.
The Red Devils icon suffered kidney failure in 2015 after contracting a virus while on tour in Vietnam as a club ambassador.
Manchester United legend Andy Cole has launched a kidney research charityCredit: PA:Press Association
Cole recently revealed he has felt like giving up following his five-year battle against kidney failure.
The Old Trafford icon had contracted Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis during his trip to South-East Asia.
His body and face began to swell up as a result, and he also suffered severe fatigue.
The former striker shrugged off the illness until he eventually went to the doctors when his condition deteriorated.
It was then that he found out his life was at risk as his kidney function dropped to just seven per cent of the usual capacity.
He had a life-saving transplant three years ago, with his nephew providing the donor organ.
The Manchester United icon decided to launch a research fund with Kidney Research UK to help others battle the devastating disease.
In an emotional Instagram post, the 48-year-old wrote: “I didn’t ask to have kidney failure, so learning how to cope with the physical and mental challenges caused by medication after my transplant has been the toughest battle I’ve ever faced.
“That’s why I wanted to set up a research fund with Kidney Research UK to help others who are having a hard time, probably now more than ever.
“Whatever you can spare would be amazing and help fund research into improving lives. Together, let’s change the game. You can make a donation through the link in my bio.”
The Andy Cole Fund aims to raise at least £500,000 over the next three years, with improved mental health and well-being one of the core aims.
Cole is the third-highest scorer in Premier League history with 187 goals to his name, only behind Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer.
The former marksman spent six years at United between 1995 and 2001, scoring 121 goals in 275 games, winning every major trophy under Sir Alex Ferguson.
You can donate to the Andy Cole Fund for kidney research here
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
