Sarah's story is an internet hit

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Sarah's story is an internet hit

Published Date:
18 December 2009
By Aasma Day, Health Reporter

A young woman who undergoes dialysis at the Royal Preston Hospital has made a short film about her life which has proved a hit on Youtube as well as scooping a number of awards.
Sarah Coupe, 20, undergoes dialysis three times a week at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Sarah was born with just one kidney and has a genetic condition which means she has the body of a child. She also has a hole in her heart and advanced bone disease.

Sarah suffers from a condition known as the McKusick-Kaufman syndrome and as well as taking a cocktail of medicines, she can only eat certain food and is connected to a dialysis machine for two- and-a-half hours at the Royal Preston Hospital three times a week.

Sarah has had one failed transplant and needs dialysis to keep her alive.

It was hearing other people her age complaining about trivial problems which prompted Sarah to make a short film called It's My Life.

Mum Karen said: "It all started when Sarah heard other kids moaning about their hair and their spots and she heard about a competition being run on Channel 4 asking people to make a short film.

"Sarah decided to make one about her life to stop other people being so miserable about their own!"

The film was shot over the course of one week and demonstrates the challenges that someone undergoing dialysis treatment has to deal with.

The top three short films were screened on Channel 4 and Sarah was thrilled when her film was one of the chosen few.

Sarah's film has also been selected for the 2010 First Light Awards in the category of Most Impact and has proved a hit on the Internet, featuring on Youtube.

Sarah, from Clayton-le-Moors, said: "I've been thinking of making a short video about going abroad.

"I did this earlier this year and with just a little organisation for the dialysis, it was a great experience.

"I just want to encourage others to do it. I think some people are scared, but if I can do it, with all my problems, so can others.

"I can show them there's absolutely nothing to be afraid of."

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Sarah39s-story-is-an-internet.5924929.jp