Organ Donation Week 22 to 28 September

Why I swapped my kidney for some Star Wars Lego!

In 2013, I celebrated my 36th birthday with my twin brother Tim, with a family lunch, a trip to the Lego store, followed by an appointment that night for a short stay at Royal Liverpool Hospital.

The day after our birthday we were scheduled for surgery as I was donating a kidney to Tim. It was a moment that felt both surreal and inevitable, an extraordinary moment made possible by something very ordinary between us: our shared DNA.

Tim had been poorly since he was a child. At just 18 months old, he had to have a kidney removed, and the remaining one was already showing signs of disease. That kidney, against all odds, kept him going for another 35 years. For it to last that long was nothing short of miraculous.

But by mid-2012, it was clear that his luck, and his kidney, was running out. Fortunately, being identical mirror twins meant we were a perfect genetic match. In fact, all of the earliest kidney transplants in medical history involved identical twins, because the risk of rejection was so low. It was like winning the lottery, not just because of the rarity of Tim’s condition, but because he also had an identical twin who could safely donate.

The transplant took place at the Royal Liverpool, where the staff were understandably cautious about not mixing us up. I was visited multiple times over the few hours before the surgery by different teams, each one checking and re-checking I was the donor. By the time surgery rolled around, I had so much marker pen written on me “James is the donor” scrawled across my tummy, arms and leg I was more pen than skin!

And what did Tim give me in return for a kidney? Some Star Wars LEGO. That was the exchange. A kidney for a box of bricks and a few mini-figures. We still laugh about it, and that LEGO sits on my shelf as a reminder of our shared journey, and his questionable (perhaps phenomenal) negotiation skills.

The recovery had its challenges, but seeing Tim regain his strength made every moment worthwhile. Since then, our bond has only deepened. We joke that he owes me one, but truthfully, I feel like I gained more than I gave.

Being on the Organ Register is really important and something we should all consider. You never know when it could help change someone else's life.

James is the Director of Engagement, Involvement & Communications for the Trust.

Lisa joins paired organ donor scheme to give gift of life

Lisa’s husband Craig, was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2006. By joining a paired organ donor scheme, Lisa will be saving two lives. When tested, she wasn’t a match for her husband but her kidney donation will ensure he receives a transplant.

Lisa Shipley, from Cheltenham, works as a Medical Secretary in the Department of Gastroenterology at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Her journey as a living donor is just beginning. She said:

“I can’t speak highly enough of Sarah Ryder, Renal Transplant Specialist nurse and Consultant Dr Susannah Jenkin. Sarah explained about the paired donor scheme. I wanted to do this, it’s the ultimate gift.”

When living donors are not a suitable match for a loved one, it may be possible to be matched with another donor recipient pair in the same situation and for the donor kidneys to be exchanged.

Craig was told to go straight to hospital after seeing his GP when he experienced dizziness. His first transplant was from his sister in 2008 after undergoing home dialysis. At the time he was told the transplant wouldn’t be a cure and he would need another transplant later in life.

Lisa explains how much support Craig has received from some great friends. He’s had quite a few people offer to test for him. Craig retired from his plastering job due to ill health but enjoys his hobby as a DJ at festivals.

His health has been declining over the past year. Despite this he’s managed to lose two stone since June and is undergoing tests prior to the transplant.

The couple will be moving to Tewkesbury shortly to be closer to their three daughters. The transplants will take place early next year at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford. Both are looking forward to celebrating their 50th birthdays after their recovery.

You can register your decision to be an organ and tissue donor on the Organ Donation Register.