It's Living Donation Week, the perfect time to learn more about and celebrate the incredible impact that living donation has on people's lives.
There are over 6,000 people are waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant in the UK. Could you help someone receive the organ they need? Consider becoming a living donor and discover the difference you could make.
Caroline Russell, 62, from Greysouthen, lost a kidney and her other was quickly deteriorating.
Julie Bestford, 64, from Cockermouth – Caroline’s best friend - stopped Caroline from joining the organ donation waiting list by becoming a living donor and donating her own kidney.
Julie told us: “Caroline and I met when we were still in the Armed Forces; I was Royal Navy, she was in the Army. Our friendship started there but got stronger year on year.
“I knew Caroline had lost a kidney and that her remaining one was slowly deteriorating but it was many years later when the impact of chronic kidney disease really started to take its toll.
“I first broached the idea of donating in 2019 but Caroline wouldn’t consider it as she felt it was too much for a friend to do and gave lots of reasons (excuses) to try and put me off.
“When she started dialysis in 2021 I mentioned it again, she looked so unwell and her life seemed to revolve around working, dialysis and resting.
“She still said no, but I was seriously considering it and had talked everything through with my husband who was fully supportive.
“I told Caroline I was totally committed to donating and that we had to try at least, she eventually agreed and our transplant journey began. Incredibly we were a good match and on 6th July 2022 my kidney found a new home.
“I would say to anyone who wants to donate not to underestimate the journey, for me it got more nerve wracking the further we got but when my consultant told me that we were a match the mix of emotions, tears, excitement and impatience to get going was incredible. I never thought twice, never doubted I’d done the right thing and the surgery from my perspective was straight forward because unlike Caroline I was fit and healthy.”
Caroline said: “You only need to read Julie’s words to see what an incredible person she is. Although I knew I was becoming more unwell, it had happened over such a long time frame that for me it was just my normal health.
“Finding out that Julie was a match and going through this together was really special and brought us even closer. The best part of my stay in hospital was when Julie was brought across to see me the day after our surgery.
“Having the transplant has changed my life, it’s given me the freedom to travel again. I have more energy than I’ve had for so many years and can enjoy being spontaneous. The hardest part for me was the overwhelming sense of responsibility I felt towards Julie. I became obsessive about my blood results so that the slightest change left me worrying that I had done something wrong and was letting her down, Julie never ever made me feel like this and once again was the person who helped me through these feelings.
“I will be forever grateful that Julie came into my life and for the friendship we have.”
Most people waiting for an organ transplant are waiting for a kidney. As a living kidney donor you could transform someone's life and go on to live a long, healthy life of your own.
Find out more about living donation