Receiving a Kidney


ruby blowing a kiss at an aeroplane
Ruby: I have done things I’d never considered whilst on dialysis

Ruby was born with reflux of the kidneys which over time developed into renal failure. She had her first dialysis session on her 10th birthday in 2002. I was on peritoneal dialysis for six years before I contracted a fungal infection called peritonitis which meant I had to switch to hemodialysis at the age of […]



Paul: I now enjoy a full and active life

Paul Hinkins received a kidney through the paired/pooled kidney transplant scheme, which was made possible when the law changed under the Human Tissue Act in 2006. Sometimes someone waiting for a kidney will know someone who is willing to donate one, but incompatibility in blood group or tissue type will mean that the donor’s kidney […]



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Keith: the transplant turned life around for my whole family

Keith, from Plymouth received a kidney from an altruistic kidney donor and describes what a difference it made to his life. “I’ll never forget the first time I ate liver and onions after my transplant. Nothing has ever tasted as good.” It was one of Keith’s favourite meals and one that he had not been allowed […]



Chris Boustead Photo
Chris: the difference has been incredible

Chris received a kidney from an altruistic donor after waiting more than three years. My transplant operation gave me back the  joy of life. I had got used to life on dialysis and thought I was getting on all right. I was surrounded by people in the same position and had become almost institutionalised. I […]



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Jim: I’d rather have a transplant than win the Lottery

Jim Fatah, aged 60 from Surrey, has had two transplants because of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP), an inflammation of the blood vessels which damages the kidneys. His first lasted just under a year, but the second one has lasted more than 11 years and is still going strong. “Having a kidney transplant was better than winning […]