Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway comforted a grieving guest during Thursday's broadcast, following the tragic death of her mother from kidney failure. The guest, Genieva Owens, appeared alongside co-presenter Richard Madeley to discuss the urgent need for Black communities to be tested for a gene linked to kidney disease.
Genieva, who was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 11, revealed that her mother passed away just two months ago. She is now awaiting a transplant and undergoes dialysis three times a week. 'If I don't have it, I wouldn't be here today,' she said.
The interview highlighted a new initiative encouraging people of Caribbean or African descent to be screened for the APOL1 gene, which is carried by 1 in 10 individuals. The gene significantly increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, which can be fatal.
Kate expressed her sympathy, saying, 'Oh, I'm so sorry about your mum. It's so soon after that you must feel incredibly raw.' Genieva shared that she and her mother were unaware of the gene until two years ago, when it was discovered during a research study at King's College Hospital. 'I wish I knew and I wish my mum knew, that would have saved her life,' she added.
The segment concluded with Kate wishing Genieva well with her grief and thanking her for raising awareness about the gene. More information about kidney disease is available on the NHS website.
