University degree joy for Leeds man after kidney disease ruined his school years

A Leeds man who left school with virtually no qualifications after his education was wrecked because of a rare kidney disease has defied the odds to earn a university degree. John Dunwell, of Kirkstall, was diagnosed with the disease aged 11 and had to go on kidney dialysis. It left him drained of energy and he was unable to play sports with friends and missed out on the majority of his schooling. John underwent a kidney transplant aged 14 at Leeds Children's Hospital.