A campaign to get a dialysis unit built on the Island is gaining pace.

Last week we reported how Kevin Edwards, who was diagnosed with kidney disease in January, is calling for the equipment to be installed at Sheppey Community Hospital.

The 49-year-old, of Harps Avenue, Minster, has to travel to Maidstone Hospital three times a week to have dialysis and he says he has had so much support from fellow Islanders who are having or have had similar experiences.

He has now launched an online petition to gain even more signatures and his cause was boosted on Saturday Feb 23 after he spent time at the clock tower in Sheerness – he collected 350 signatures in just two hours.

He says it can cost £500 a day for people to travel for treatment which is funded by the NHS, through the taxpayer.

After researching the price of a dialysis machine, he believes you can get one for £12,000 which he says would pay for itself within weeks.

The dad-of-two said: “It’s just ridiculous,” he said. “There’s lots of people on the Island but they just put up with it.

“I have been surprised by the reaction – everyone has been fantastic and it’s been a tremendous response.”