The Gift Of Life

More than 400 Scots are currently waiting on a kidney transplant.

A national awareness event is being held in Edinburgh this month to raise awareness of altruistic kidney donation and highlight how it transforms lives. 

Since 2006, people have been able to donate a kidney to someone unknown to them, purely because they want to help someone in need. To date, there have been over 390 altruistic kidney donations in the UK.

An Auchtermuchty man is telling us why he chose to give the gift of life back in 2007. 68-year old John Fletcher decided to donate a kidney after being made aware of the possibilities through people in his work. The deer farmer and former vet donated his kidney at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh after realising the benefits to both himself and the recipient following altruistic donation. 

John said: “During my career as a vet I always spoke to people in the medical circle which is where I found out about donating my kidney. I thought it was a very sensible procedure that could help save the life of somebody experiencing a miserable existence  on dialysis and give them a second chance at life. 

“It took about 18 months from me first contacting my GP for information to having the actual operation as there was a lot of testing, both mental and physical, and I had to lose some weight. I  had a distant cousin that died waiting for a kidney transplant so I guess subconsciously I knew if it was an option, I’d want to help out however I could. 

“My wife was really supportive of my decision and my two daughters, although concerned, were happy to support me during the entire process. At first I didn’t tell anyone, I kept it a secret. But now I want everyone to know  how they could maybe consider doing the same to help those waiting. 

“One thing that has become very clear since donating my kidney is the feeling of peace I have. I have gained a sense of satisfaction knowing that I’ve been able to give someone  a gift that will change their lives for the better. In this process it is not just the recipient who benefits – donors carry a warm glow of satisfaction for the rest of their lives. For me it was the best thing I ever did. 

John’s recovery was very quick allowing him to return to work within a few weeks. 

He added: “I found from the donor’s point of view, it’s a relatively painless process; nothing compared to what people on dialysis have to go through. Following the surgery, I just had to spend two or three days in hospital and take it easy for a few weeks. After that my health has been unaffected. 

“I received a letter from the woman who received my kidney. It was at this point that I realised how much I had contributed to her life, giving her kids their mum back.  The sense of satisfaction is something that will never leave me and I hope more people take the time to think about the possibility of donating as you never know when you or a loved one might actually need a transplant.”

The open information evening is on Thursday 30 April 2015, between 18.00-20.00 at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.  To register interest call 0131 275 7925 or email kidneydonation@shscevents.co.uk