Boy, 6, who can't stop drinking found to have the kidneys of an 80-year-old

Zach Tierney has been diagnosed with renal dysplasia which means he will need either dialysis or a transplant before he reaches puberty

A six-year-old boy who can't stop drinking has been found to have the kidneys of an 80-year-old.

Zach Tierney, from Stockport, was taken to medics after his family noticed he was always thirsty.

It was eventually discovered his kidney function was at just 25 per cent, a level generally found in people over the age of 80.

He was diagnosed with renal dysplasia following tests last Christmas and will need either dialysis or a transplant before he reaches puberty.

Now the family want to raise funds and awareness for Kidney Research UK and say it does not get the same profile as charities for other diseases.

Mum Michelle Tierney, 36, told the Manchester Evening News: “I’m a nurse so I had a feeling something was not quite right with him. He was thirsty all the time.

“We would find him in the bathroom in the middle of the night drinking from the tap and he wasn’t growing as much as his peers.

“It is a scary disease as you don’t know anything about it before it’s too late. But he is a cheeky little boy who talks about his kidneys as if they are people inside him.

“He’s very brave and resilient and interested in what is going to happen to him in future.”

The family held a ladies night at their home on Saturday to take their fundraising for Kidney Research UK to around £2,000.

Zach also lives with dad David, 38, sisters Aoife and Niamh, eight and five, and brother Samuel, one.

He can currently still lead a relatively normal life.

But once his function drops below 20 per cent that is when he will be unable to do things other youngsters take for granted.

Even now he is on a strict diet with very limited protein, dairy and fat intake.

The family has thanked everyone who has helped them with the fundraising and made donations. Marie Dean, 59, Zach’s gran, said: “Everyone has been so kind. Kidney disease is not as well known and doesn’t have as high a profile as other diseases.

“The money we are raising will help buy dialysis and improve the lives of children like Zach.”

Anyone wishing to donate can visit www.facebook.com/zachskidney support/