James Holdstock donated a kidney early in 2013 as part of a Paired Donation Scheme. Here is his story: Schmauzer and I were introduced in March – I was in Guy’s Hospital, having just donated my left kidney and Schmauzer was a gift from my wife and mother-in-law. I am part of a ‘Paired Donation […]
Helen’s husband was initially horrified when he heard about her plans to donate a kidney.
After donating a kidney, Di set up a website: www.livingkidneydonation.co.uk.
“The whole thing has been life-enriching beyond anything that I could ever describe. Of all the things I have done in my life, this one has been the happiest. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.”
Sanjiv donated a kidney at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
Viv is a graphic designer who lives in Cornwall. She donated a kidney in 2011.
Professional jockey, racing commentator and altruistic kidney donor.
“No regrets at all. No second thoughts. This is something that ought to be done by more people.”
Joanna donated a kidney in 2012. “If I had three kidneys, I’d do it again,” she says.
Mary Dixon first started thinking about donating a kidney 21 years ago, when she was training to be a nurse.
Julie received a card from her recipient, which she looks at nearly every day.
“I can’t say I enjoyed the process, but I’m really glad I did it.”
Penny initially thought about donating eggs, but eventually decided to donate a kidney.
Clare wanted to help her recipient to “restart” her life.
“It was enormous fun.”
Natalia carries a picture of the kidney that she donated on her phone, and it’s also on her Facebook page.
Barbara Ryder donated a kidney in 2007. She was the UK’s second altruistic donor.
Nicholas, who is 83, donated a kidney in 2012. He is the UK’s oldest altruistic donor.
David is a retired civil servant and magistrate who lives in Devon.
Kay was the UK’s first altruistic kidney donor.
Maggie donated a kidney in 2007.
Philippa and her daughter have both donated kidneys altruistically.
Polly is a retired nurse who worked on a kidney unit.
Luc donated a kidney in the summer of 2011, when he was 25. I’m what is known as an altruistic kidney donor – that’s someone who donates a kidney to save or prolong a stranger’s life. I’ve been asked to say a few words about my experience. Before I get into the joys of morphine […]
Nicholas Crace is a former charity director from Hampshire, gave a kidney to a stranger in spring, 2012. He was, at the time, the oldest person in the UK to have done so at aged 83 – although there have now been older donors. Nicholas Crace had good health and no dependents when his wife, […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Jim, from Surrey, describes what it was like waiting for a transplant. Jim had to have a kidney transplant because of a disease called Henoch-Schönlein purpura (inflammation of the blood vessels), which he developed in his late 30s. In fact, he has had two transplants, because the first one failed after less than a year. […]
Keith, from Plymouth, describes what it was like waiting for a kidney transplant. “I am someone who accepts whatever life brings along. So I did get used to being on dialysis,” says Keith. “But there is no doubt that being dialysed three times a week does interfere with your life and your family’s life.” Keith […]