25 September 2024

In 2016 my life changed forever when I was told my kidneys were failing. Shortly after this I began having peritoneal dialysis until 2018 when I received my life saving pancreas and kidney transplant in Oxford. 

The Renal Unit at QA have always been so supportive of my journey and took over my care from Oxford once I was well enough to be released. I have been very lucky to have the support I do and have a close relationship with my consultant. 

I feel so very lucky to have been given a second chance at life! There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about my donor and her family. It’s hard to put into words quite how grateful I am! I don’t think words will ever be enough, but I try to show her through living my life the best I can. 

Unfortunately, I have now been diagnosed with lupus in my transplanted kidney which means I may not have it for as long as I would have liked to. I will not let it fail without a fight and I will not let it beat me in any way. 

I have decided I want to attempt to climb Mount Snowden in memory of my donor before the lupus truly takes hold! I will be raising money for the Renal Department at QA.

I know my donor was Welsh so seems the perfect place to make her proud. I am truly grateful every day for my gift, and I hope that she knows that!