Renowned Nollywood actor Don Richard, whose real name is Richard Oguntimehin, has openly called for financial support due to a serious kidney condition. The actor, who gave up smoking and drinking two years ago in an attempt to lead a healthy lifestyle, recently disclosed that, in spite of his best efforts, his health took an unexpected turn.
Don Richard talked about his battle with a sudden spine injury that resulted in the finding of renal problems and an enlarged bladder in an interview on the Talk To B podcast. He said that after experiencing excruciating agony, he sought medical attention and discovered that he had acute renal problems and an enlarged bladder, necessitating immediate dialysis.
He estimates that the cost of the therapy will range between N40 to N50 million. The actor claimed to have sold his house and car to pay for his medical bills, but the money has already run out.
“The only thing I did back then was to drink herbal concoctions in the mornings. Sometimes I even use water to take my herbs instead of alcohol. For two years now, I have stopped taking anything that has to do with alcohol. I don’t take soft drinks. “I only drink water,” he declared.
“I just went to anchor a show and was lodged in a room. Around 1.05 am, it felt like someone was nailing my spinal cord. I managed to walk and was told to go for a check-up. It was then discovered that my bladder was getting larger and my kidney was beginning to have issues.
“When I heard, I was down and prayed not to die. Just a little walk, and I would begin to feel pain. I travelled to Ibadan, where I stayed. One day, I started having hiccups from morning till the afternoon of the next day. I started getting weak.
“They took me to another hospital. I even thought I was going to die at the hospital because I passed out a few times. But the Holy Spirit was working in me. They did a general check-up, and then I was told I would need dialysis, which costs about 40 to 50 million naira.
“I have had to sell my house and drop the money so they could spend it. The money has now finished. I even sold my car for 1.5 million, and now, at this point, if something goes wrong, I have nothing to sell for funds.”
