"I had an extra one, and people are dying for the lack of it."
It’s understandable why many people hesitate to consider kidney donation, given the intimidating prospect of surgery and concerns about potential long-term health impacts. My own introduction to the idea of kidney donation was rather light-hearted—I recall an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry David goes to great lengths to avoid donating his kidney to a friend. Although I’ve been a regular blood donor since I turned 18 and had occasionally considered donating a kidney, like Larry, I mistakenly believed it would negatively impact my physical health long-term, which naturally made me reluctant to pursue it.
For those in the advanced stages of kidney disease, daily life revolves around medical treatment. Dialysis, a gruelling process that acts as an artificial kidney, is not a cure—it is a demanding and exhausting necessity that can take up to 12 hours a week. They often suffer from severe fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, and a dramatically reduced quality of life. Many must give up work, social activities, and even simple freedoms like travelling without medical support. It is hard to fully understand or appreciate just how deeply it impacts those living with the condition. A transplant, however, can literally offer a second chance at a fuller, healthier life—something I felt compelled to contribute to.
Following my decision, I am often asked, “Why?”—along with receiving words of praise for my supposed bravery and selflessness. Yet, I would argue the opposite. I’m just an average person and my motivation for donating a kidney is neither heroic nor complicated: I had an extra one, and people are dying for the lack of it.
This sense of duty cemented while I was watching a five-day ultramarathon in Georgia—on YouTube, of all places. One of the participants, Matt Cavanaugh, a fellow Minnesotan, was interviewed during the event. Matt had donated a kidney and was still running ultramarathons, demonstrating that not only had his life not been negatively impacted by the donation, but that he was actually thriving.
Inspired by Matt’s story, I contacted NHS trusts to begin the process of becoming a kidney donor. My boss at the time, Dr Alex Crowe, a consultant nephrologist, also played a pivotal role in those early stages, guiding me through the process and addressing my concerns with care and expertise.
The journey to becoming a kidney donor is both straightforward and rigorous, encompassing a series of tests including CT scans, renal function assessments, electrocardiograms, and even a psychiatric evaluation. I chose to undertake this process at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, conveniently just three stops away from my home on the Overground. From the outset, the team at Barts was exceptional, transforming what could have been a daunting experience into something smooth and manageable.
Every step of the process was thorough and meticulous, which reassured me that all necessary precautions were being taken to ensure both my safety and the success of the donation. Barts even went the extra mile by reimbursing my travel expenses—a thoughtful gesture that eased any logistical concerns and allowed me to focus entirely on the process.
Throughout this period, I was supported by an outstanding team. Henrietta, one of the nurse coordinators, and my surgeon, Mr Benjamin Lindsey, were pivotal in guiding me through each stage. Their expertise and care were evident, instilling confidence in me as I navigated the various tests and evaluations.
Being in good health and in my early thirties, I didn’t need to make major lifestyle changes. However, I do enjoy beer, so I made the challenging decision to go teetotal for a couple of months before and after surgery. It wasn’t required as you can still drink alcohol after donating a kidney, but I felt it would help my recovery. This small sacrifice felt like a necessary step to ensure the best possible outcome for both me and the recipient. To be honest, it’s now April 2025 and I continue to drink much less, although I would hardly suggest donating a kidney as a strategy for abstinence!
The day of the operation was both nerve-wracking and surreal. I had fasted from the night before and arrived at Bart’s at 7:00 AM on a Monday morning. Strangely enough, my biggest concern was not the surgery itself but the catheter—a fear that, in hindsight, turned out to be unwarranted (I will add that the removal wasn’t ideal or dignified, but felt worse for the healthcare assistant!).
The operation was successful, and my left kidney was on its way to its new home. While the surgical team was excellent, the hospital stay itself was the most challenging part of the experience. The conditions at The Royal London Hospital reflected the broader funding and operational challenges within the NHS. Despite this, my recovery began swiftly, and after two nights in the hospital, I chose to continue my recuperation at home under the care of my wonderful wife: Megan (as well as two cats who were less helpful).
Post-surgery, my recovery was relatively swift. I was fortunate to be able to take some time off work, thanks to the support of my employer, NHS Resolution, which allowed me to focus entirely on getting back to normal. This time off was crucial, giving my body the rest it needed while I monitored progress closely. My employer was understanding; however, if your job doesn’t cover your wages during such a period, the NHS can while you are taking the time off.
Since the surgery, life has largely returned to normal. I’m back at work and celebrated my birthday with a well-earned trip to Romania, indulging in some much-needed relaxation at Marmorosch Bucharest. I’ve gradually resumed running, taking it slow as I rebuild my fitness. Looking ahead, I’m eager to get back into weird and wonderful places to take on new physical challenges and am on the lookout for upcoming trail ultra-marathons—if you have any recommendations, please let me know!
The decision to donate a kidney has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Knowing that I’ve potentially saved a life is a profound and humbling feeling. The process was long, but the outcome makes every moment worthwhile. The support I received from Bart’s Hospital, my family, and my employer was invaluable, and I’m grateful for the care and attention given to ensure my health and well-being were prioritised.
For anyone considering kidney donation, I can say with confidence that the journey, while challenging, is immensely rewarding. It’s a commitment that not only changes the life of the recipient but enriches your own in ways you might never have imagined. If you have a ‘spare tyre in your boot’, consider helping someone in need—you might just find it’s one of the most fulfilling things you ever do.
"If I had three kidneys, I’d absolutely donate another one tomorrow, unquestionably."
Read“I’m a great believer that when you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.”
Read"It’s now been almost 13 years since I donated, and nothing has changed in terms of my health or my lifestyle."
Read"Here was a chance to do something kind without having to wait for someone I know to need my support."
Read"Seeing how it helped my brother has made it all so, so worth it. As much as the journey was scary, it’s proven to be so rewarding."
Read“I wanted to share my kidney donation story to help build awareness of the good that we all can do to help someone worse off.”
Read“It’s amazing how a small amount of inconvenience on my part can make such a huge difference to someone else.”
Read20 years ago, David's enthusiasm for life was put to the test when he found out his kidneys were failing and he would need a transplant.
ReadAisha is determined to raise awareness of living kidney donation and encourage more people in South Asian communities to consider donating.
Read"My husband was living on dialysis, and I saw the constant reality of what that meant for him."
Read"I set myself clear goals to return to fitness and running after my kidney donation."
Read"This is me, Louise Sach, shortly after I was diagnosed with chronic renal failure."
Read"It has now been over a year since my donation. I have zero pain or discomfort, and I am entirely back to normal with nothing but a scar to remind me of my experience."
ReadRachel already knew more than she wanted to about the process of kidney donation before she gave her spare kidney to someone she didn’t know.
ReadHenry donated a kidney to his sister Helen, and has seen first-hand the difference a donation can make for someone with kidney disease.
Read“It has made absolutely no difference to my day-to-day life. My mum, however, has a life like never before.”
ReadNaomi knew she wanted to donate a kidney after learning about kidney disease and reality of life on dialysis.
ReadEmma donated her kidney to a stranger eight years ago after first seeing a story about non-directed donation on TV four years previously.
ReadJoyce thought that she was too old to donate a kidney, before learning there was no upper age limit for donating.
ReadMandy donated one of her kidneys to her younger cousin Lou, who was diagnosed with kidney problems when she was two years old.
Read"I don’t consider myself to be a hero or brave. I just did what I was brought up to do – to help others."
ReadJulie worked hard to stay fit and healthy while she was preparing to donate a kidney to her nephew.
Read"At the beginning it seemed like a difficult decision to make, but since the operation I don’t have any regrets."
ReadTessa believes that donating a kidney to a stranger is one of the best decisions she's ever made.
ReadLynn was 75 when she donated a kidney altruistically. "I knew I wanted to do it if I was capable of doing so."
Read“You don’t need to be a superhero, you don’t need to be a mega star of any sort. It’s something that normal people just like me can do."
ReadLaura knew she would donate a kidney to her sister if she needed it. When the time came, she found the process absolutely worth it.
ReadMatt's dream of joining the police was shattered by an unexpected diagnosis of kidney disease, but his mother's kidney donation allowed him to thrive and pursue new dreams.
Read"I've learnt a lot about myself and my own health – I would do it again in a heartbeat (if I had another kidney to spare!)"
Read"I believe that if you are in a position to help someone else less fortunate than yourself, then you should do so."
ReadEvery kidneyversary deserves a celebration, but in 2024 Elaine marked a particularly poignant milestone – 10 years since she donated a kidney to her eldest daughter.
Read"I feel immeasurably better in myself knowing I have been able to give my brother the gift of a healthy life."
ReadDennis is keen to show people that you can still live your life as normal and achieve great things after donating a kidney.
ReadWhen Ali heard that a former colleague was waiting for a kidney transplant, he knew within minutes that he would offer one of his.
Read"My mum needed a kidney, and I didn’t need both of mine. When I heard that, I didn't have any hesitation."
ReadKathryn faced life-changing kidney failure after being diagnosed with the rare disease, IgA vasculitis.
ReadMarianne has seen first hand the benefits that kidney donation can bring to a family, and feels blessed that she was able to donate a kidney to her brother.
ReadBen felt drained by kidney disease for over 12 years before his cousin gave him a second chance at life by donating his kidney.
ReadJulie donated to her son and knows first hand that donating an organ doesn’t just save a person. It saves a family.
ReadAnne donated into the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme so that her brother could receive a kidney transplant.
Read"Within both the Jain and Hindu faiths benevolence to others is supposed to be a key principle. What could be a greater act of benevolence than transforming someone’s life by giving them part of yourself?"
Read"If I had more Kidneys to give, I'd be donating to anyone who needed one."
ReadTrainee teacher Mark is grateful for the life-saving kidney transplant from his brother that put him back on track for life and his career.
ReadSheldon & Hayley watched their daughter Daisy-May go from a shock diagnosis of kidney failure to dialysis, then transplant, in an emotional rollercoaster lasting 16 months.
ReadMy donor gave me a life to live for. I have done things I had never considered doing whilst on dialysis.
Read"If I had another kidney to spare, I would donate in a heartbeat. It was life changing for my husband, and for me as a person."
ReadDavid is just an average Joe. A motorcycling, 54-year-old father and grandfather. And 6 years ago, he donated one of his kidneys to someone who needed it more than he did.
Read40 years ago, Kathleen donated one of her kidneys to Cheryl, who was just five years old at the time.
Read"Giving a small part of me that I didn’t need to someone else would make little difference in my life, but a huge difference in theirs – it was an easy decision for me to make."
ReadLiz's family struggled at first with her determination to donate her kidney to someone unrelated to her.
Read"I donated a kidney to my dad 10 years ago, aged 25. To me, it was a no brainer."
ReadSarah had seen the life-changing difference donating a kidney could have, and immediately knew it was something she wanted to do.
ReadI would not feel as comfortable in my own skin as I do now if I had not donated my kidney.
ReadPete’s kidney gave me my life back and gave my son Edward a mum with energy and vitality.
ReadWhether you’ve already decided to donate a kidney, or you are interested in finding out more about the process and what it involves, we’re here to answer any questions you might have.
