PEOPLE in Hampshire are in the dark over the dangers of kidney disease, according to a new survey.

The survey, by Kidney Research UK, showed that 87 per cent of people in the south east have little or no knowledge of the disease, its causes, or symptoms.

The survey also showed that more than half of the 2000 people polled in the survey thought the disease posed no threat to them.

Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said: “This survey highlights a deeply worrying lack of awareness in the south east when it comes to kidney disease and goes some way to explain why the disease has reached epidemic proportions in the UK.

“Even people who are at significantly increased risk from the illness because of pre-existing conditions appear to be completely in the dark.”