30 April 2009
Most people would settle for a voucher or a bottle of wine as a gift from their siblings, but local figures show that more and more people are going the extra mile for their terminally-ill loved ones by donating a kidney.
In 2001, the number of patients at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust that underwent live donor transplants (where the individual giving the kidney is still alive) was 11. Over the years, that figure has steadily risen, and in 2008, 26 living people donated a kidney to someone.
This total makes up for 50 per cent of all transplants that are given to renal patients at the Trust.
One woman that was given a kidney by her younger brother is Cim Bartlett. Cim, now 46, has spoken about the magnificent gift that her brother gave to her. She said: "In 2002, I was told that I would need a kidney transplant within a year. It was a terrible shock, and a very frightening time. I rang my brother, Jonas, and told him the news. He too was deeply shocked and saddened. But then he just said 'if it comes down to it, I'll give you one of my kidneys'. We talked it over in great detail, and decided that if he was a match then we'd go ahead.
"Luckily, he was a match and we went in for the operation in 2004. Since the transplant, every day gets better and better. I can't tell you how good I feel - I have that thirst for life back, I have regained my sparkle.
"I feel so much better, fitter and stronger and that really shows in every aspect of my life. I owe everything to Jonas - his level of generousity, love and compassion is just unbelievable, and I can't thank him enough."
Jonas recovered well, returned to work in four months and continues to lead a normal life.
Cim was a patient at St Helier Hospital for two years before she underwent the transplant. She said: "I always enjoyed coming to St Helier Hospital for my dialysis because all of the staff were amazing. From the receptionists to the doctors at the renal clinics, everyone was always very friendly and professional".
Although she no longer needs dialysis, Cim meets with Dr James Marsh, the Clinical Director of the Trust's renal department, for check-ups every three months.
Dr Marsh said: "There are some incredible advantages to live donor transplants, and the results are often better than if the donor is, sadly, no longer alive. The main reason for this is because the organ is transplanted more quickly.
"It also means that patients are put under less stress as they wait for a call to say that kidney has come available. With live transplants we can plan the operation ahead of time and prepare both the donor and recipient."
Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky as Cim and although around 3,000 organ transplants take place in this country every year, approximately 1,000 people - 3 a day - die while waiting because of the shortage of donated organs.
Dr Marsh adds: "Cim's story is really amazing. However, not everyone is as lucky. Therefore, it is important that people consider donating their organs after they die and, like Jonas, give someone else the gift of life. I am on the NHS Organ Register and would encourage others to join me."
