“My sister Gemma was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 18 month old. The kidney failure was caused by uncontrolled diabetes, but was made worse every time she fell pregnant. Gemma has 3 young children. 

Gemma first started Dialysis in September 2021 at the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, but had her last session at the Diaverum Centre in Darlington. 

 When I knew that I could help take Gemma off of dialysis, we made the arrangements straight away to get the tests done at James Cook Renal Day Unit.  I found out that I was a ‘perfect match’ and that I was well enough to donate my kidney. However, the donation was pushed back a year as I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and was not allowed to donate until my thyroid levels were steady and back to normal.  I was given medication, which did improve my Thyroid levels, and I was then given the go-ahead to donate.  As it had been a while since I had my tests done, I had to have some more tests completed, but they again came back okay for me to donate. 

 On the 13^th March 2025 myself and Gemma completed the kidney donation at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.  The donation went smoothly, and it was all completed the same day.  I went down for my operation at around 8am and the operation was completed by 2pm.  I was then told at around 7:30pm that Gemma’s operation had also been successful and that the kidney was working and producing urine. 

 It has now been 6 months since the donation, and Gemma has been made aware that her new kidney is working beautifully, and the last letter she received about her results stated that she had excellent kidney function.

 I myself am also back exercising, back at work, living my normal life. 

 Gemma and I also lost our mother at the ages of 20 and 21, we also lost our father in March 2024. We only have each other left, therefore it was an easy decision for me to give my sister this life changing gift.”