“Back in 2009 my husband, Simon, was having trouble getting over "flu" and he went to his GP. His GP took some blood, did some tests, and sent him home to pack a bag and go directly to hospital. He had crash-landed with kidney failure and his function was down to around 13%.
We will never know for sure what caused it, but it's likely it was from a small scratch which developed into Cellulitus years before.

Over the years, gradually his kidneys had been failing. That year was a terrible roller coaster of emotions and treatments. I made the decision early on to put myself forward as a living donor. Quite simply, I wanted my funny, active husband back. 
Within 3 months of diagnosis, Simon was on peritoneal dialysis. This kept him alive, but it was no quality of life for him. The brain fog, the queasiness, the pain and being dependent on a machine were utterly draining, and all the while his kidney function was dropping further.

 Meanwhile I was undergoing tests to see if I could donate. After that, there were the agonising weeks of waiting for a date and then finally on 6th November 2009 it happened. Just 10 months after diagnosis.

 I will never forget when our Transplant Coordinator visited me after the operation. She didn't say anything, just handed me a copy of Simon's kidney function records. On the day of his transplant his kidney function was 3% and then it rose: 7%, 11%, 15%, 20% and all the way up to 22%. His new kidney had woken up and was going great guns. I cannot describe the elation and relief I felt.

 Now, 16 years later we have just come back from 5 days hiking and kayaking in Norway.

Our kidney function is about the same at around 65%. We are incredibly lucky to have been given this time together, to live life to the full. This wouldn't have been possible without the amazing team at Southmead, Bristol.

 To anyone who is considering being a living donor I would say accept the challenge, and give someone a chance of life again.”