Q: How old were you when you had your kidney transplant and why did you need it? 

I received my Kidney transplant in 2008 aged 7. I was born with a condition known as “Dysplastic kidneys” which means that my native kidneys did not develop in the womb. 

Q: How did your life change when you had your kidney transplant? 

Life prior to transplant was very difficult, I simply felt like I was surviving one day to the next rather than enjoying my childhood like the rest of my peers. However almost 13 years post -transplant, my life has changed for the better. I am now able to enjoy the things a “typical” nineteen-year-old should. 

Q: What are you doing with your life now? Are you healthy at the moment? 

I have recently completed three years at Sixth form studying Level 3 Health and Social Care and Level 3 Sport. I have thoroughly enjoyed both courses and I believe that they are going to provide me with the knowledge I need to succeed in my future career as a paediatric nurse. 

I simply felt as though I was surviving each day rather than making the most of my childhood.

Q: What was your life like before your transplant? 

As stated above, life prior to transplant was very different. I simply felt as though I was surviving each day rather than making the most of my childhood. It was difficult at times watching my close friends enjoy the simple things such as: eating chocolate, partaking in sports and enjoying sleepovers with their friends. Most of these activities were simply ruled out for me. 

Q: What are people’s thoughts and attitudes towards you when they find out you’ve had a transplant? 

I have been sick since birth and people have followed my journey since day one, so everyone was absolutely ecstatic for both myself and my family when I received my transplant. It was such a miracle considering how sick I was. My family and friends have always been my top supporters and have always been there for me every step of the way. 

Q: Has you transplant ever impacted you negatively? 

Growing up, I always knew that I was different from my peers. I was unable to partake in the same activities as they did, I was unable to eat the same foods as they could and I only went to school 2 full days a week. Despite a lot of bullying over the years, I have always remained positive and never let this affect the strong, independent individual I am today and I hope that I can continue to be an advocate for those going through similar situations as I experienced. 

I am more than honoured to have my donor’s kidney as part of my anatomy.

Q: How do you feel about having someone else’s organ inside your body? 

I think I speak on behalf of every transplant recipient when I say that I am more than honoured to have my donor’s kidney as part of my anatomy. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t think about my donor and their family. It really is such a selfless act of kindness which has the potential to save up to 9 lives per donor. 

Q: Do you know anything about your donor? 

I do not. However, in June of this year I decided that I was finally ready to write a letter to my donor family. This was one of the most breath-taking things I have ever done. How do you thank someone for literally saving your life? There was so many things going through my mind whilst writing, “what if the family have moved on and have a family of their own?’ “what if they don’t want to write back?” 

Fast forward to August, my phone pinged! It was an email from my transplant coordinator: “The donor family have responded and would like to receive your letter” I was overwhelmed with only one emotion, relief! I was one step to finding out more about my donor and their family. I am currently holding out for a letter back from the family, this really could be the start of something. 

I back the opt-out system 100%. Call me biased but I think it is incredible…

Q: What do you think about the new opt-out* organ donation system? 

I back the opt-out system 100%. Call me biased but I think it is incredible that everyone over the age of 18 is presumed an organ donor! Of course, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still have “the conversation” with your loved ones. Did you know that your family still have the final say in whether your organs are donated or not? So please, share your wishes with your loved ones. 

*See our previous post for more information on how the new opt-out system works.

Q: If you could offer one piece of life advice, what would it be? 

“It’s okay not to be okay” is a quote that I live by. Over the years, I have found out that it is better to talk about your worries and concerns rather than bottle them up and let them linger on your mind. After all: “A problem shared, is a problem halved”. Mental health issues are still such a taboo subject and we need to break that stigma! 

Q: If you could say one thing to someone who hasn’t made a decision about donating their organs, what would it be? 

Do it! In my opinion, organs are something that are leant to us and when you are gone, they are no use to you anymore, so why not save a life? Did you know, one donor can save up to 9 lives? What’s stopping you?

Click here to find out more about how to express your wishes to donate your organs.