A quest by the parents of a young man who died of problems associated with kidney disease to have a renal unit named after him at Lister Hospital has moved a step closer. Next year it is hoped the Lee Haynes Renal Research Unit will be opened at the hospi

A quest by the parents of a young man who died of problems associated with kidney disease to have a renal unit named after him at Lister Hospital has moved a step closer.

Next year it is hoped the Lee Haynes Renal Research Unit will be opened at the hospital.

Lee, a well known drummer and former pupil at Fearnhill School, Letchworth GC, attended the dialysis unit at Lister Hospital and died of a blood clot in May, 2005.

Since his death his parents Sue Williams of Stonnells Close, Letchworth GC, and David Haynes, who also lives in Letchworth GC, have worked with the support of the hospital and friends to open the research unit.

Recently another �1,000 was raised for the unit at a dinner at The Globe in Letchworth GC and further backing is coming from a sports auction at Bonhams in London and the Santa Grotto in the Garden Square in Letchworth GC.

It is hoped that the target of �40,000 will be reached soon to purchase specialist equipment for the unit.

"Of course we were devastated at losing Lee so young. You never expect to see your children go before you so we were determined to do something positive in his memory to help other people with kidney problems," said Mrs Williams, 59.

"We decided to help Dr Paul Warwicker, Lee's consultant, try to find a cure for renal disease which often leads to years of dialysis before a transplant becomes available, if one does.

"I am so passionate about this quest and having a unit named after Lee is a great honour and makes me very proud and the support we have had from Dr Warwicker, his staff and Lee's old friends has been wonderful and is helping us towards our goal."

Mrs Williams has also been supported for her auction, where Bonhams will not be taking its normal commission on sales, by Liverpool skipper and England player Steven Gerrard, who has donated signed pictures, Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, double world superbike world champion James Toseland and the South African 2009 20/20 cricket team who have donated a signed bat.

"I hope we can raise a good amount from this event. I'm very fortunate to have had some amazing people who have helped me," added Mrs Williams, who works at WH Smith in Letchworth GC town centre.

"I would urge everyone to carry a donor card so that more lives can be saved.