Popham Kidney Support honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Popham Kidney Support, a leading kidney charity based in Swansea, has been officially awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest recognition for a voluntary group in the UK.

The prestigious award, often referred to as the MBE for volunteer groups, was presented during a formal ceremony on Friday, 11 April 2025, at The Mansion House, Swansea.

Recognising outstanding contributions by volunteer organisations, The King’s Award highlights the significant impact Popham Kidney Support has made in communities across Wales. The charity was announced as a recipient of the award on 14th November 2024, joining an exclusive list of just five organisations in Wales and 281 across the UK.

The award, originally established in 2002 by Her Majesty The Late Queen to mark her Golden Jubilee, continues under His Majesty The King’s reign. This year marks only the second presentation of The King’s Award under its new name.

During the ceremony, Mrs. Louise Fleet CStJ JP, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, presented CEO Joanne Popham with The King’s Award crystal and certificate, formally recognising the charity’s exceptional service.

Since its founding in 2013, Popham Kidney Support has provided essential services for individuals and families affected by kidney disease. These include peer support, counselling, educational initiatives, awareness programmes, health groups, activity days, and fundraising efforts.

Joanne Popham, CEO of Popham Kidney Support, said:

“I, along with our dedicated team and incredible volunteers, am truly honoured that Popham Kidney Support is receiving The King’s Award. This recognition means so much to us, as we work tirelessly to provide meaningful support—whether emotional, practical, or financial—to individuals and families affected by kidney disease.”

“Eleven years ago, after losing our wonderful father, Paul Popham, my sister Claire and I set out to build a charity in his memory. Our goal was simple: to ensure that no one facing the challenges of kidney disease, as he did, would ever feel alone.”

“Receiving The King’s Award is an incredibly proud and emotional moment for us all. It not only recognises everything we have achieved so far but also motivates us to continue making a difference. This award is a tribute to our father’s legacy and a reflection of the unwavering dedication of everyone who has helped shape Popham Kidney Support into what it is today. The ceremony was an amazing opportunity to officially celebrate this prestigious achievement and honour the hard work of our incredible team and volunteers.”

With this distinguished recognition, Popham Kidney Support remains committed to its mission—ensuring that no one affected by kidney disease faces their journey alone.

The charity looks forward to building on its work, expanding its support services, and raising awareness to improve the lives of kidney patients across Wales and beyond.

For more information about Popham Kidney Support and its services, visit: https://pophamkidneysupport.org.uk/