“MY transplant gave me back more than just a kidney; it gave me back a full spectrum of colour into my life.”
Having lived with a chronic kidney condition since she was a baby, Hattie, from Wincanton, has spoken of how transplants have changed – and extended – her life.
The 28-year-old spoke of her experience through two kidney transplants – including from her dad, David – during Organ Donation Week, which ran until September 28.
“Organ donation has always been a part of my life, having had my first transplant when I was two-and-a-half years old – a deceased donor from the NHS Donor List – and my second transplant from my dad at the age of 24,” Hattie said.
“My life would have been immeasurably different had I not had the opportunity to have those transplants, and I openly accept the fact that, likely, without them, I wouldn’t still be here today.”
Hattie and dad, David, have urged people to agree to become donors
Earlier this year, it was revealed the transplant waiting list had reached its highest level ever, with 8,000 people currently waiting for a donor.
Meanwhile, the number of donors is falling.
Tragically, 463 patients have died while on the active list waiting for a transplant this year, compared with 418 deaths the previous year, an 11% increase.
After her own experience, Hattie is an avid supporter of the National Kidney Federation (NKF) and an NKF Ambassador.
She said that the best way to address the falling number of organ donors is to encourage people to talk about organ donation with their loved ones and to sign up for the organ donor register.
The NHS Organ Donor Register is a national database in the UK that records people’s decision to donate their organs and tissue after death.
People can agree to donate, or record a decision not to donate.
READ MORE: Health news from your Somerset Leveller
By joining the Organ Donor Register, people can make their wishes known so that if the situation arises, healthcare professionals and family members are aware of their decision.
“Donating an organ, whichever organ it might be, really will change that person’s life in more ways than you could ever imagine,” Hattie said.
“Life with treatment felt like living in black and white for me, every day was about survival, muted and drained of colour.
“My transplant gave me back more than just a kidney; it gave me back a full spectrum of colour into my life.
“Now, even the smallest things like a walk outside, time with friends and family or even achieving something new feels brighter, richer, and more vibrant than I ever thought possible.
“Signing up to the organ donor register enables you to bring that colour back to people’s lives, and I truly think that is worth more than any ‘what if’ or worry you may have.”
Hattie’s dad and donor, David, said donating to his daughter had changed his life.
“I had never doubted my resolve to give Hattie one of my kidneys. I’m so grateful I could,” he said. “For me, the process was straightforward and in the grand scheme of things, it was a small but wonderful detour in my life.”
Hattie’s dad, David, said he was happy to donate
He added: “My life is richer for the experience, and the rewards have been immense. I’m so grateful to the NHS renal teams who have been part of our journey. Their compassion, skill and commitment have quite literally been lifesaving.
“Having been through this experience and seeing the rewards of kidney donation, I cannot say loudly enough how much I admire anyone who steps forward to help others in this way.”
More than 44,000 lives have been saved or improved through organ donation over the last 10 years.
Andrea Brown, NKF chief executive, said: “Without donations, transplantation wouldn’t be possible. It is so important that people understand the importance of signing the NHS Organ Donor Register if they wish to be donors and just importantly, have a conversation with their families so their wishes are clear and respected.”
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